Burnout e fatores associados em profissionais da Atenção Primária à Saúde

Abstract

Burnout Syndrome is associated with physical and mental exhaustion resulting from excessive workload or chronic stress and is influenced by anxiety-related conditions and mood disorders. Among healthcare professionals, those working in Primary Health Care exhibit the highest rates of this syndrome. This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with and the prevalence of Burnout syndrome among Family Health Strategy professionals working in Primary Health Care in a municipality in the countryside of Ceará, Brazil. A cross-sectional, observational, and quantitative study was conducted using a structured individual sociodemographic questionnaire containing employment-related variables, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), a validated instrument for assessing anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Human Services Survey (HSS) version, validated for Portuguese-speaking populations. Data were organized in electronic spreadsheets and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including association, comparison, and correlation tests, adopting a significance level of 5%. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 21. The sample consisted of 109 professionals affiliated with the Family Health Strategy and multiprofessional teams, including both higher education and mid-level/technical healthcare workers. The findings revealed a Burnout Syndrome prevalence of 5.5%, with a high frequency of emotional exhaustion among participants. Moderate correlations were identified between Burnout Syndrome, depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as significant associations with sociodemographic and professional characteristics. Greater emotional exhaustion was observed among nurses, physicians, physical education professionals, and psychologists. This study contributes to the understanding of Burnout Syndrome in Primary Health Care by identifying associated factors and early indicators that may support preventive interventions. Furthermore, it resulted in the development of an educational booklet aimed at promoting mental health, preventing occupational illness, and strengthening continuing education initiatives regarding Burnout Syndrome within Primary Health Care settings.