Burnout syndrome among paramedical staff in Cameroon: Impact of physical activities and leisures

Aim: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of burnout syndrome and associated risk factors among paramedical staff in Douala on the one hand, and to assess the influence of physical activity and leisures on this syndrome on the other hand. Methods: A four sections self-administered questionnaire to determine: (i) sociodemographic characteristics; (ii) socioprofessional conditions; (iii) the Maslach Burnout Inventory - Human Services Survey (to evaluate burnout); and (iv) the Ricci-Gagnon questionnaire to assess the level of physical activity, was used in a cross-sectional investigation in three reference hospitals in Douala. Results: Three hundred and two participants were included. Fifty-one percent of professionals exhibited burnout: 33.2% in emotional exhaustion; 13.2% in depersonalization and 31.2% in loss of personal achievement. Burnout was significantly associated with length of years of professional practice (P = 0.04), administrative charges (P = 0.03), daily work of more than 9 hours (P = 0.001), stressfulness (P = 0.001) and job painfulness (P = 0.02), anger inclination (P = 0.04). Unlike leisure (P = 0.02), physical activity and sport did not show a protective effect against burnout although three-quarter of the participants were physically classified as active. Conclusion: Several factors related to working conditions are associated with burnout. It is important to consider these different factors, given their impact on the quality of life of paramedical staff and their services to patients. Regular practice of leisures is advisable.