The Prevalence of Occupational Burnout and its Related Factors among Dentists in Semnan Province

Occupational burnout syndrome is a long-term response to stressful situations that may lead to decrease the function, efficacy, and productivity in systems or individuals. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of occupational burnout and its related factors among dentists working in Semnan province in 2014.

Eighty-six dentists working in Semnan Province were studied. Data were collected using a 22-item Maslach burnout questionnaire that evaluates emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical tests, including Kolmogorov-Smirnov, T-test, ANOVA, Fisher exact, and Pearson tests.

In this study, 40.7% suffered from severe emotional exhaustion, 22.1% suffered from severe depersonalization, 97.7% suffered from severe reduced personal accomplishment. Aging showed a reverse relation with the prevalence of depersonalization (p = 0.02) and a direct association with personal accomplishment(p = 0.002). A significant relationship was seen between sexuality and emotional exhaustion (p = 0.002) and Depersonalization (p = 0.003). Occupational longevity demonstrated a reverse association with depersonalization (P = 0.039) and a significant direct association with personal accomplishment (p = 0.003). Working hours per week showed a significant direct association with depersonalization (p = 0.085).

Occupational burnout syndrome was found to be high among Semnanian dentists.  About half of the dentists had emotional exhaustion and more than 95% had a reduced personal accomplishment. Therefore, it is necessary to consider ways to reduce workload, working hours, and daily stress in dentists.