Objective
Burnout is a state of chronic and excessive stress related to one’s job, which comprises three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal accomplishment. It is pervasive among helping professions such as nursing. The main aim of this study was to identify the sources of stress among nurses at Benha University Hospital.
Patients and methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 100 nurses from Benha University Hospital. Inclusion criteria were nurses whose age ranged from 18 to 40 years old, who were still working for at least 1 year continuously, and had started working for at least 1 year. Assessment of stress was done using the Arabic translation of the Maslach burnout inventory and life stress questionnaire.
Results
The prevalence of burnout syndrome was seen among 64% of nurses. There was a statistically significant difference regarding depersonalization score but not regarding emotional exhaustion or lack of personal accomplishment. The highest rates of burnout were reported among the group of ICU, coronary care unit, and emergency department nurses. Female nurses reported higher levels of burnout (71.4%) compared with male nurses (25%). The most commonly mentioned life stressors among the studied nurses were difficult work conditions (84%), tension at work (80%), inadequate health insurance (60%), change in sleeping habits (54%), and health problem of a family member (54%).
Conclusion
Burnout is prevalent among nurses in Benha University Hospital, and it contributes to more absences and less job satisfaction. Difficult work conditions and tension at work are the most common sources of stress among nurses followed by inadequate health insurance, health problem of a family member, and inadequate finance.