Introduction:

Burnout syndrome is characterized by emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion resulting from chronic stress, typically arising from social interactions and working conditions. Physicians represent a potentially affected group due to inadequate psychosocial environments during their professional practice.

Objective:

To determine the prevalence of burnout syndrome and its characteristics among licensed physicians in Uruguay in 2023.

Methodology:

A descriptive, cross-sectional prevalence study was conducted using convenience sampling. Participants were characterized by sociodemographic factors, working conditions, and the association of these factors with the presence of burnout syndrome. The sample population consisted of physicians affiliated with the Medical College of Uruguay. The Maslach Burnout Inventory - Human Services Survey was used to assess burnout, while a custom-designed questionnaire collected sociodemographic and work-related information.

Results:

A total of 1,086 responses were obtained. The median age was 41 years (range: 26-73), and the predominant gender was cisgender women (78.8%). The prevalence of burnout syndrome was 32.1%. A statistically significant association was observed between burnout syndrome and younger age, shorter career duration, being in residency, longer weekly working hours, work area or sector, and reduced engagement in recreational activities. Additionally, 86.9% perceived themselves as self-demanding professionals.

Conclusion:

One in three physicians presented with burnout syndrome. The authors highlight the need to create health promotion spaces in the workplace and implement preventive measures to address the identified psychosocial risks.

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