Burnout of nurses employed at Tehran psychiatric hospitals and its relation with social supports

Nurses’ burnout, not only results in serious psychological disorders, but also reduces the quality of patients’ care because of increased absence, reduced energy and diminished effectiveness. This study was designed to determine burnout of nurses employed at Tehran psychiatric hospitals and its relation with social supports. This is a descriptive- correlative study, in which 93 nurses employed at psychiatric hospitals affiliated to medical Universities of Tehran and Iran, and Welfare and Rehabilitation University were randomly selected. Data were gathered by a questionnaire, including demographic information, Maslach and Jackson job burnout questionnaire and the Haus and Wells support sources questionnaire. 69.9% and 64.5% had average degree of frequency and intensity of burnout, respectively. 67.70% and 81.70% had a low frequency and intensity of emotional exhaustion and 75.30% and 71.00% of them had a low frequency and intensity of depersonalization, respectively. Instead, most nurses had high frequency and intensity of reduction in personal success (50.5% and 53.80%, respectively). Pierson coefficient of correlation statistics documented reduction of frequency and intensity of emotional exhaustion by increasing support of head nurse, decreasing the frequency of emotional exhaustion and intensity of depersonalization by increasing spousal support, and lowering intensity of emotional exhaustion by improving familial support. However, no significant relationship was noticed between colleague support and burnout. According to physical, mental and social problems of burnout, most authors emphasize on preventive methods. So, establishment of powerful supporting system in working environment and its outside is recommended.