BURNOUT AND PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN KSA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Abstract
Background: Burnout, a state of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment, is a significant issue among healthcare workers (HCWs) globally, and particularly in Saudi Arabia (KSA), where unique challenges such as long working hours, high patient loads, and cultural expectations exacerbate psychological distress. The impact of burnout on HCWs' mental health is a pressing concern, influencing their well-being and patient care quality. This systematic review aims to synthesize evidence on the prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of burnout among HCWs in KSA, with the goal of identifying targeted interventions for psychological support.
Methods: A comprehensive systematic search was conducted across major databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science, for studies published between 2010 and 2024. Keywords such as "burnout," "psychological health," "healthcare workers," and "Saudi Arabia" were combined using Boolean operators. Studies eligible for inclusion included cross-sectional, cohort, case-control studies, and qualitative research exploring burnout and its impact on mental health among HCWs in KSA. Quantitative outcomes, such as burnout prevalence and psychological health measures (e.g., anxiety, depression), were synthesized through meta-analysis where applicable. Qualitative findings were analyzed thematically.
Results: A total of 25 studies were included in the review. The overall prevalence of burnout varied, with emergency physicians (88.7%) and nurses (87.2%) showing the highest levels of emotional exhaustion. Depersonalization was also high among ICU workers (82%) and perioperative nurses (56.4%), while personal accomplishment was notably low across specialties like oncology workers (72%) and dialysis nurses (42%). The findings suggest a strong correlation between high burnout levels and psychological distress, including depression and anxiety. Healthcare professionals in high-stress specialties experienced significant burnout, negatively impacting their mental health and professional satisfaction.
Conclusion: This systematic review highlights that burnout is a prevalent issue among HCWs in KSA, with particularly high rates in emergency physicians and nurses. The review emphasizes the need for targeted mental health interventions and organizational support to reduce burnout and enhance the psychological well-being of HCWs. Strategies such as improving work-life balance, providing mental health resources, and fostering supportive work environments are essential to mitigate burnout and its negative consequences on both healthcare professionals and patient care.
