[Burnout syndrome among medical residents during the influenza A H1N1 sanitary contigency in Mexico]

Abstract

Objective: To measure the degree of stress among medical residents at a Third Level Hospital in Mexico City during the sanitary contingency caused by the AH1N1 influenza virus.

Methods: A transversal descriptive study with a non-probabilistic sample of 99 medical residents with different fields of specialization related to respiratory medicine. Researchers applied the Maslach Burnout Inventory questionnaire to evaluate three dimensions: emotional fatigue, depersonalization, and personal fulfillment. The survey was self-administered and anonymous, and the study was conducted during the first AH1N1 influenza virus outbreak (April 23 to May 10, 2009). During that period, the hospital underwent a process of reorganization that included cancelling vacation periods for all medical residents and adjusting duty rosters.

Results: The highest proportion of medical residents with burnout syndrome was those in their second year of specialization in the area of pneumology. Results also showed that medical residents under 30 years of age had a higher probability of presenting burnout syndrome. No significant differences were found regarding the residents’ place of origin.