Prevalence and factors associated with burnout syndrome among anesthesiology residents in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: a multicenter cross-sectional study

Airton Bagatini; Felipe de Sousa Junqueira; Eduarda Druck Magadan; Silvia Ramos Hecktheuer; Regis Borges Aquino; Florentino Fernandes Mendes; Eduardo Francisco Mafassioli Corrêa; Cleiton da Silva Pando; Daniela Benzano Bumaguin; Cassiana Gil Prates

doi:10.1016/j.bjane.2026.844771

Original Investigation

Prevalence and factors associated with burnout syndrome among anesthesiology residents in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: a multicenter cross-sectional study

Prevalência e fatores associados à síndrome de burnout entre residentes de anestesiologia no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil: um estudo transversal multicêntrico

Airton Bagatini, Felipe de Sousa Junqueira, Eduarda Druck Magadan, Silvia Ramos Hecktheuer, Regis Borges Aquino, Florentino Fernandes Mendes, Eduardo Francisco Mafassioli Corrêa, Cleiton da Silva Pando, Daniela Benzano Bumaguin, Cassiana Gil Prates

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bjane.2026.844771 Braz J Anesthesiol, vol.76, n4, 844771, 2026

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Abstract

Background

Burnout syndrome is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment. Anesthesiology residents are particularly vulnerable due to prolonged working hours, cognitive overload, and exposure to stressful clinical situations. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of burnout and explore associated occupational and psychosocial factors among anesthesiology residents in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Methods

This multicenter cross-sectional study included residents from 6 training centers accredited by the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology. Data were collected using an anonymous online questionnaire and the Portuguese-validated Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS). Burnout was defined by high emotional exhaustion (≥ 25), high depersonalization (≥ 10), and low personal accomplishment (≤ 32). Associations were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test (p < 0.05).

Results

Ninety-two residents participated (response rate, 84.4%). The overall prevalence of burnout was 26.1% (95% CI 17.5%–36.3%). High emotional exhaustion occurred in 72.8%, depersonalization in 42.4%, and low personal accomplishment in 43.5%. Burnout was significantly associated with living alone (p = 0.036) and psychotropic medication use (p = 0.017). A weekly workload of 60 hours or more (p = 0.068) was not significantly associated with burnout. Female residents showed higher emotional exhaustion (p = 0.039).

Conclusion

Burnout prevalence among anesthesiology residents in Rio Grande do Sul was high, predominantly characterized by emotional exhaustion. Institutional strategies focusing on psychosocial support, workload management, and mental health promotion may improve residents’ well-being and professional performance.

Keywords

Anesthesiology; Burnout; Education; Graduate; Internship and Residency; Medical; Mental Health; Occupational Stress; Professional

Resumo

Introdução

A síndrome de burnout é caracterizada por exaustão emocional, despersonalização e baixa realização pessoal. Os residentes de anestesiologia são particularmente vulneráveis devido às longas jornadas de trabalho, sobrecarga cognitiva e exposição a situações clínicas estressantes. Este estudo teve como objetivo estimar a prevalência de burnout e explorar os fatores ocupacionais e psicossociais associados entre residentes de anestesiologia no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.

Métodos

Este estudo transversal multicêntrico incluiu residentes de seis centros de treinamento credenciados pela Sociedade Brasileira de Anestesiologia. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário on-line anônimo e do Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) validado para o português. O burnout foi definido por alta exaustão emocional (≥ 25), alta despersonalização (≥ 10) e baixa realização pessoal (≤ 32). As associações foram analisadas pelo teste exato de Fisher (p < 0,05).

Resultados

Noventa e dois residentes participaram (taxa de resposta de 84,4%). A prevalência geral de burnout foi de 26,1% (IC 95% 17,5%–36,3%). Alta exaustão emocional ocorreu em 72,8%, despersonalização em 42,4% e baixa realização pessoal em 43,5%. O burnout foi significativamente associado ao fato de morar sozinho (p = 0,036) e ao uso de medicamentos psicotrópicos (p = 0,017). Uma carga horária semanal de 60 horas ou mais (p = 0,068) não foi significativamente associada ao burnout. As residentes do sexo feminino apresentaram maior exaustão emocional (p = 0,039).

Conclusão

A prevalência de burnout entre os residentes de anestesiologia no Rio Grande do Sul foi alta, caracterizada predominantemente por exaustão emocional. Estratégias institucionais com foco no apoio psicossocial, gestão da carga horária e promoção da saúde mental podem melhorar o bem-estar e o desempenho profissional dos residentes.

Palavras-chave

Anestesiologia; Burnout profissional; Internato e residência; Estresse ocupacional; Saúde mental; Educação médica de pós-graduação

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Submitted date:
01/09/2026

Accepted date:
05/20/2026

Prevalence and factors associated with burnout syndrome among anesthesiology residents in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: a multicenter cross-sectional study

Prevalência e fatores associados à síndrome de burnout entre residentes de anestesiologia no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil: um estudo transversal multicêntrico

Airton Bagatini, Felipe de Sousa Junqueira, Eduarda Druck Magadan, Silvia Ramos Hecktheuer, Regis Borges Aquino, Florentino Fernandes Mendes, Eduardo Francisco Mafassioli Corrêa, Cleiton da Silva Pando, Daniela Benzano Bumaguin, Cassiana Gil Prates

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keywords

Resumo

Introdução

Métodos

Resultados

Conclusão

Palavras-chave

References

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