Factors Associated with Burnout in Clinical Medical Students at Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital

Abstract

Background: Medical students experiencing burnout from clinical practice may face mental health challenges, which can negatively impact their learning efficiency and ability to provide patient care. In the long term, this condition could lead to psychiatric disorders. Understanding the factors influencing burnout in medical students is beneficial for developing strategies to support their wellbeing and promote better mental health among clinical medical students.

Objectives: To study the level of burnout and the factors associated with work-related fatigue among clinical medical students.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study includes 80 clinical medical students from Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital in the 2024 academic year. The research tools comprised five parts: personal data, work factors, educational factors, burnout test (Maslach Burnout Inventory; MBI). Data was collected from July 1 to July 30, 2024, and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentage, mean and standard deviation, and inferential statistics such as Chi-Square Test and Fisher's Exact Test.

Results: The study found that the majority of medical students experienced burnout in terms of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Personal accomplishment was found to be at a high level, with 96.3% of students achieving high personal accomplishment. Regarding the relationship with various factors, low satisfaction with sleep and insufficient personal time were associated with high levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. (p<0.05) High satisfaction with psychological support from the medical center and support from medical instructors was associated with lower levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization (p<0.05) Factors such as thoughts of quitting, motivation to study medicine from parents and relationship problems with ward colleagues contributed to high levels of emotional exhaustion. Students working in major wards and those exercising less than three days a week experienced higher levels of depersonalization (p<0.05)

Conclusion: This study suggests that clinical medical students at Maharaj Nakorn Si Thammarat Hospital experience moderate to high levels of burnout in various dimensions. Therefore, there should be an appropriate and consistent support system from the medical center addressing factors related to burnout, including sufficient rest and personal time, easily accessible and comprehensive psychological counseling, and monitoringburnout, especially for those working in major wards.