RELATION BETWEEN BURNOUT AND PSYCHOSOMATIC SYMPTOMS AMONG STAFF NURSING IN INTENSIVE CARE UNITS

Abstract

Background: Nurses working in critical care units have high vulnerability to burnout. As a result they are experiencing high levels of emotional strain. The aim of this study was to assess the relation between burnout and psychosomatic symptoms among staff nurses working in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). The study was conducted on 86 staff nurses working in the ICUs of Fayoum University and Fayoum General Hospitals using a cross-sectional analytic study design. A self-administered questionnaire including scales for assessment of burnout and psychosomatic symptoms was used. The fieldwork was done from September to December, 2016. The nurses’ age ranged between 20 and 54 years, with a majority having diploma (89.5%). Total, 29.1% had burnout, and 65.1% had psychosomatic symptoms. The psychosomatic score had significant positive correlations with all burnout domains except personal achievement. The scores of personal achievement had positive correlations with total and current years of experience (r=0.217 and 0.226 respectively). In multivariate analysis, the nurses’ marital status was the only statistically significant independent positive predictor of burnout score, whereas the positive predictors of psychosomatic symptoms score were the burnout score and the total experience years, while the practice of regular physical exercises was a negative predictor. In conclusion, ICU nurses have high burnout and the psychosomatic symptoms are highly prevalent among them, and are closely related to their burnout. In this respect the study recommends the improvements in the work environment, with more support for and empowerment of staff nurses.