Current incidence of professional burnout among Ukrainian oncologists in Kharkiv

Abstract

Objectives Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic and the military conflicts in Ukraine suggest that workrelated stressors increased during these crises increases work-related stress reactions. Burnout as a long-term consequence of insufficiently compensated for workloads. The regional prevalence of burnout is particularly high among oncologists. The aim of this study was to assess the current risk of burnout within this group of physicians and to examine gender differences through gender-based analysis. Material and Methods Thirtyseven oncologists (17 men and 20 women aged 46.5±13.6 years [range 26–74 years]) in Kharkiv, Ukraine, participated. The Maslach Burnout Inventory – General Survey (MBI-GS) questionnaire was used to determine the extent of occupational. Results Gender, age, and work experience had no effect on the following results. Women demonstrated higher scores in emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment of the MBI than men. In contrast, men offered higher cynicism scores. The MBI total score was also higher for the male oncologists. Only 1 person of the total sample had risk of burnout. Conclusions The results showed a high prevalence of burnout symptoms among Ukrainian oncologists without gender differences. From occupational health perspective behavioral and behavior-preventive measures are needed for clinics and oncologists to counteract the burnout symptoms, e.g. exhaustion or cyniscism. Further studies are needed here to examine the effectiveness of these measures. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(6):717–3

Keywords

• cancer
• stress
• burnout
• physicians
• crises
• mental health