Prevalence and Determinants of Occupational Burnout among Primary Healthcare Workers in a Local Government Area in South-South Nigeria
Nduye Christie Tobin Briggs
Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Ositadinma Mberekpe Pius *
Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Burnout among healthcare workers is a critical occupational health issue, especially in resource-constrained primary healthcare (PHC) settings. As frontline providers, PHC workers in Nigeria are particularly vulnerable to occupational stress, which can compromise their well-being and the quality of care.
Aim: This study assessed the determinants of burnout among PHC workers in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA), Rivers State, Nigeria.
Methods: An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 July to 30 September 2025. Six PHC facilities were selected by simple random sampling from the LGA. Participants were recruited using proportionate allocation and systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire incorporating the Maslach Burnout Inventory to assess emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and personal accomplishment. Sociodemographic characteristics, workload, job satisfaction, and working hours were also obtained. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression at a 5% significance level.
Results: A total of 108 PHC workers participated (mean age: 36.4 ± 8.1 years; 63.9% female). High emotional exhaustion was reported by 36.1%, high depersonalisation by 25.0%, and low personal accomplishment by 32.4%. The overall prevalence of burnout was 40.7%. Burnout was significantly associated with high patient workload (p=0.003), long working hours (p=0.015), and low job satisfaction (p=0.001). Multivariable analysis identified heavy workload (AOR=2.76; 95% CI:1.21–6.28) and low job satisfaction (AOR=3.31; 95% CI:1.45–7.56) as independent predictors of burnout.
Conclusion: Burnout is prevalent among PHC workers in Obio/Akpor, driven predominantly by high workload and low job satisfaction. Interventions such as improved staffing and enhanced workplace support are needed to mitigate burnout and strengthen PHC service delivery.
Keywords: Occupational burnout, primary healthcare, healthcare workers, emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, personal accomplishment, workload