Prevalence of Burnout among Nurses in a Community Hospital in Singapore: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Burnout among nurses is a significant problem in healthcare establishments and has negative implications on clinical outcomes. International studies have shown the prevalence of burnout ranged from 30% to 80%. However, this is unknown amongst nurses in a community hospital in Singapore. Our objectives are to determine the prevalence of burnout among nurses at a community hospital in Singapore as well as explore the factors associated with burnout. Methods: The nurses, from a community hospital with palliative, rehabilitation, chronic sick and nursing home services, self-administered the Professional Quality of Life Scale to determine the level of burnout. An anonymous survey was included to collect demographics and variables that were postulated to be associated with burnout. Results: With a response rate of 51.4%, the prevalence of burnout was found to be 33.3%. Nurses working in the rehabilitation wards had higher odds of burnout (p=0.026). Multivariate analysis indicated increased number of years working as a nurse (p = 0.006) and whether work interferes “sometimes” & “often” with family commitments (p = 0.006 & 0.028 respectively) to be significantly associated with burnout. Conclusion: The prevalence of burnout was found to be comparable to that of a tertiary hospital and this deserves further attention. In conclusion, this research reveals the extent of nursing burnout in intermediate and long term care sector as well as identifies factors associated with burnout.