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Prevalence of burnout syndrome among veterinarians in Spain

Álvaro San Martín GonzálezToxicology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain

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Paula San Martín GonzálezFaculty of Nursing, Pontifical University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain

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María-Prado Míguez-SantiyánToxicology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain

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Francisco Soler RodríguezToxicology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain

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Marcos Pérez-LópezToxicology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE

Burnout is a syndrome of emotional distress common in health-care professions. The aim of this study was to assess the potential levels of burnout syndrome among veterinarians in Spain as well as different factors involved in its prevalence.

SAMPLE

282 Spanish veterinarians (57.4% women and 42.6% men).

PROCEDURES

All data were obtained through an online survey. The instrument utilized for this purpose was the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey (adapted to a Spanish-speaking population), with analyses performed using statistical software. Moreover, a sociodemographic questionnaire was utilized.

RESULTS

Within the considered population, 23% suffered from burnout syndrome and the average scores were 29 points for emotional exhaustion, 14 points for depersonalization, and 35 points for personal accomplishment. A higher prevalence of burnout was associated with small animal clinicians (75.3%) and women (66.1%), in comparison to large animal clinicians (24.6%) and men (33.8%).

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study showed for the first time that burnout syndrome is a current and highly relevant risk for Spanish veterinarians. The results obtained could help to raise awareness of this reality and the factors involved in the development or exacerbation of this syndrome.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

Burnout is a syndrome of emotional distress common in health-care professions. The aim of this study was to assess the potential levels of burnout syndrome among veterinarians in Spain as well as different factors involved in its prevalence.

SAMPLE

282 Spanish veterinarians (57.4% women and 42.6% men).

PROCEDURES

All data were obtained through an online survey. The instrument utilized for this purpose was the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey (adapted to a Spanish-speaking population), with analyses performed using statistical software. Moreover, a sociodemographic questionnaire was utilized.

RESULTS

Within the considered population, 23% suffered from burnout syndrome and the average scores were 29 points for emotional exhaustion, 14 points for depersonalization, and 35 points for personal accomplishment. A higher prevalence of burnout was associated with small animal clinicians (75.3%) and women (66.1%), in comparison to large animal clinicians (24.6%) and men (33.8%).

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study showed for the first time that burnout syndrome is a current and highly relevant risk for Spanish veterinarians. The results obtained could help to raise awareness of this reality and the factors involved in the development or exacerbation of this syndrome.

Supplementary Materials

    • Supplementary Appendix S1 (PDF 564KB)

Contributor Notes

Corresponding author: Dr. San Martín González (alvaro.smart77@gmail.com)