ICU workers are among the healthcare staff exposed to high occupational burnout in their daily interactions with patients, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of burnout among ICU staff in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia.
A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), which was distributed to ICU staff between August 1 and November 30, 2021. A total of 150 ICU workers were invited to participate in the study.
A total of 104 ICU staff responded to the survey (69% response rate), including 62 nurses, 30 physicians, and 12 respiratory therapists. Among the respondents, 63 (61%) were female and 41 (39%) were male. The mean scores for emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment were 22.44 ± 14.92, 9.18 ± 7.44, and 29.58 ± 12.53, respectively. The ICU staff at high risk of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment were 36%, 28%, and 47%, respectively. The leading cause of burnout among ICU staff in the study was workload, and taking a vacation was the most cited coping mechanism for occupational burnout.