Burnout and perceived stress in medical interns working at a hospital in Windhoek, Namibia

Abstract

Background: Namibian medical interns face challenges that may contribute to financial strain, growing dissatisfaction and protests over deteriorating working conditions, which may increase vulnerability to perceived stress and burnout. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of burnout and perceived stress among medical interns in Namibia and to examine the associations between these two factors and selected demographic characteristics. The study was conducted at the Windhoek Central Hospital and Katutura State Hospital (WCH-KSH) Complex in Windhoek, Namibia.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey, which included a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was conducted between December 2023 and January 2024. Data were analysed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression to identify associations between burnout, perceived stress and demographic factors.
Results: Out of 107 interns who initiated the survey, 76 completed the full survey. The overall burnout prevalence was 79.4%, with personal burnout (96.0%) and work-related burnout (93.6%) being the most common subtypes. High perceived stress was present in 63.8% of participants and was significantly associated with burnout (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06–1.62, p = 0.02). Engagement in hobbies was associated with a lower odds ratio of burnout (odds ratio [OR] = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.06–0.71, p = 0.01).
Conclusion: Burnout and perceived stress measured on the CBI and PSS scales are highly prevalent in this sample of medical interns in Namibia. Workload-related stressors appear to be key contributors, while engagement in hobbies was associated with lower odds of burnout.
Contribution: The findings of this study highlight the need for targeted interventions focused on workload management and access to psychological support in this occupational group.