Prevalence of Burnout Syndrome Among Nursing Staff in a University Hospital in Pleven, Bulgaria

Background

Burnout syndrome is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion classified in the ICD-11 as an occupational phenomenon resulting from chronic stress. Due to the specific nature of nursing work, involving high responsibility, prolonged stress, and intensive patient contact, nurses are at increased risk of developing burnout.

Aim

To assess the prevalence of burnout syndrome among nurses at the University Hospital in Pleven.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 nurses from various clinical departments (91% women and 9% men). The mean age of participants was 44.5±5.8 years, with 41.5% aged over 50 years, and 12.5% over 60 years. The average total work experience is 18.9±4.8 years, and 13.3±4.6 years in their current unit. The study was approved by the institutional ethics committee. Data were collected using a short questionnaire of demographic characteristics and a short test based on the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The burnout results were assessed as low, average, and high levels using standardized scales. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v.25. Statistical significance was accepted as p < 0.05.

Results

Low levels of burnout were found in 36.5% (n = 73) of participants, moderate levels in 31.5% (n = 63), and high levels in 32% (n = 64). Significant differences in burnout levels were found between department units. The highest prevalence was observed in intensive care units, emergency departments, oncology and surgical clinics, and neonatology. Moderate levels were found in psychiatric, neurological, and pulmonary units, while the lowest levels were reported in internal medicine departments (cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology) and outpatient settings. The level of burnout was higher in nurses over 50 years of age and in those with over 30 years of work experience (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Burnout syndrome is widely prevalent among nurses and affects them predominantly in the most active working age.

Key messages

• The aging nursing workforce is expected to face a rising trajectory of burnout syndrome. Early identification of burnout is essential to reduce negative outcomes and improve healthcare quality.

• Burnout is not merely fatigue but a serious issue impacting both staff well-being and patient safety, requiring both individual and systemic organizational interventions.