Worldwide reported prevalence
Burnout is a prevalent issue among urology residents worldwide, with
various factors contributing to its development. Studies from North
America, Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa have reported high
rates of burnout among urology residents, with factors such as high
workload, lack of social support, and limited work-life balance
identified as contributors.
In North America, a study from the USA found that 48% of urology
residents experienced burnout, and those with higher burnout were more
likely to report depression and suicidal ideation. A study from Canada
reported that 60% of respondents experienced burnout and highlighted
the need for interventions to improve wellness and support for residents
[15,16].
In Europe, a systematic review and meta-analysis of multiple European
countries demonstrated that the overall prevalence of burnout among
urology residents in Europe was 36.5%, with high variability across
different countries. In Spain specifically, a study reported a
prevalence of burnout of 46%, where stress and inadequate social
support were identified as contributing factors. A cross-sectional study
conducted among UK urology trainees and published in the BJU
International journal found that the exact prevalence of burnout was
44%. The study also found that burnout was influenced by emotional
demands arising from managing challenging patient situations, as well as
a lack of support from colleagues, supervisors, and the overall work
environment [17,18,19].
Within Asia, a Japanese study found that 32.6% of urologists
experienced burnout, highlighting long working hours and a heavy
workload as potential contributors. Similarly, research conducted in
China disclosed a burnout prevalence of 38% among urology residents,
where low social support and a high workload were identified as
influential factors. However, In India, a multicenter study revealed
that a considerable 74% of urology residents suffered from burnout, and
in Saudi Arabia, the prevalence among these residents was even higher at
79.6%. Several factors were identified as contributing to this elevated
level of burnout in Saudi Arabia, such as extended working hours,
insufficient work-life balance, heavy workload, inadequate support
systems, excessive administrative tasks, and limited personal time
[20,21,22,23]
In South America, a study conducted in Brazil discovered a burnout
prevalence of 56.3% among urology residents, with a lack of work-life
balance and limited leisure activities serving as significant
contributors [24,25]
In Africa, a study conducted in South Africa revealed a burnout
prevalence of 62.5% among urology residents, underscoring a burdensome
workload and a lack of support as contributing factors. Lastly, a study
from Kenya found a staggering prevalence of burnout 67.6% among
healthcare workers, where the lack of resources and a demanding workload
were identified as prominent contributors [26,27]
Burnout rates are a major concern among residents and fellows in the
medical field. Compared to medical students, attending physicians, and
individuals of the same age who have graduated from college, residents
and fellows experience higher rates of burnout. These rates can range
from 40-80% of trainees across subspecialties. In the largest study of
urology resident burnout to date, 47% of residents, including 65% of
second-year residents, met criteria for professional burnout. One in 6
residents reported career choice regret [28].