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Belize is a small developing country known for its chronic healthcare worker shortage.
The first study to assess burnout prevalence and its associated factors among healthcare workers in Belize was recently published (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36748178/) and reveals eye-opening stats on healthcare worker burnout in Belize. 🌍
Among participants, 27.76% experienced overall burnout. 😔
💔 Personal burnout: 56.65%
💼 Work-related burnout: 54.37%
🏥 Patient-related burnout: 19.39%
But what is burnout? Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by chronic workplace stress. It can make you feel drained, overwhelmed, and detached from your work and personal life.
Healthcare workers experiencing burnout are more likely to have reduced job performance, make medical errors, and suffer from physical and mental health issues. They may feel emotionally exhausted, have decreased job satisfaction, and face strained personal relationships. Burnout can have negative consequences for both healthcare professionals and the quality of patient care.
But that's not all! The study uncovered several significant associations. Burnout was linked to:
💔 Anxiety: Odds Ratio (OR) 3.14 [1.67, 5.92]
😢 Depression: OR 4.45 [2.30, 8.61]
🚫 Intentions to quit jobs: OR 2.59 [1.49, 4.51]
🤒 Worsening health status: OR 2.21 [1.26, 3.87]
🤕 Multiple physical symptoms: OR 1.19 [1.10, 1.29]
⛔ Multiple maladaptive coping behaviors: OR 1.66 [1.30, 2.12] such as eating more than usual (p = .003), drinking more alcohol than usual (p = .009), and taking non-prescribed medication (p < .001).
🙌 Let's take action to support our healthcare heroes! 💪 Here are some key steps:
1️⃣ Improve working conditions by ensuring that medical supplies and resources are available.
2️⃣ Enhance support systems and implement routine health check-ups for our healthcare professionals.
3️⃣ Manage workloads effectively to prevent overwhelming schedules.
4️⃣ Promote mental health training and coping strategies.
5️⃣ Foster a positive work environment that values well-being.
6️⃣ Advocate for policies that prioritize worker well-being.
Together, we can make a difference! 🤝 Let's prioritize the well-being of our healthcare workforce and ensure top-notch care for all. 💙 #HealthcareHeroes #BelizeBurnoutBattle #SupportOurProviders