Evaluation of Burnout Among Anesthesiologists Working in Tibet, China: Altitude and Attitude

Objective Burnout is a triad of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment resulting from job stress. Although with distinct regional and cultural characteristics, burnout among anesthesiologists in the Tibet has not been described. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of burnout among anesthesiologists in Tibet and its associated factors. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Tibet, China, with an anonymous questionnaire. Social-demographic characteristics, work status, three dimensions of burnout assessed by the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey were collected and analyzed. Results A total of 133 individuals from 17 hospitals completed the survey from March to June 2018. The prevalence of moderate- to high-level of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and burnout in personal accomplishment was 65.4% (95%CI, 57.0%–72.9%), 66.9% (95%C7, 58.5%–74.3%), and 83.5% (95%C7, 76.2%–88.8%), respectively. An annual caseload ≥500, frequent overtime work and fair to poor sleep quality were significantly associated with a higher level of emotional exhaustion (P< 0.001, P = 0.001, and P<0.0001, respectively). 5–9 years in anesthesiology experience was significantly associated with a high level of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization (P = 0.002 and P = 0.003, respectively). Conclusions More than half of anesthesiologists working in Tibet experience a moderate- to high-level of burnout in at least one dimensional scale. Anesthesiologists having 5–9 years of experience are more prone to emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Efforts to decrease burnout through reducing the working load and raising the social recognition of anesthesiologists in Tibet should be considered.