Factors Associated with Burden among Professional Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to (1) examine the levels of burnout syndrome  both overall and across its three dimensions  and (2) identify factors associated with burnout among professional nurses at Panyananthaphikkhu Chonprathan Medical Center, Srinakharinwirot University, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample comprised 84 licensed professional nurses recruited via accidental sampling, with sample size determined by Cochran’s formula. Data were collected from January to February 2023 using demographic and work-related questionnaires together with the Thai version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson’s chi-square test at a significance level of 0.05.

Results showed that 95% of participants were female, with a mean age of 34.0 ± 10.5 years. Overall, 46% of nurses reported moderate burnout, 35% high burnout, and 19% low burnout. Across the three MBI dimensions: emotional exhaustion was predominantly moderate (49%); depersonalization was equally moderate and high (43% each); and reduced personal accomplishment was moderate in 42% and high in 40% of participants — indicating that a substantial proportion experienced diminished feelings of competence at work.

Three factors were significantly associated with burnout: workload (χ² = 13.30, p = 0.010), job satisfaction (χ² = 22.45, p < 0.001), and relationships with co-workers (χ² = 12.74, p = 0.013). Job satisfaction emerged as the strongest correlate, with low job satisfaction linked to substantially higher burnout.

Findings suggest that healthcare administrators should conduct biannual burnout assessments, enhance job satisfaction through meaningful rewards and participatory decision-making, and establish fair workplace conflict-resolution mechanisms to systematically prevent and mitigate burnout among nursing personnel.