[Risk factors for burnout and job satisfaction in a sample of health professionals in Italy]. / Fattori di rischio del burnout e soddisfazione lavorativa. Un contributo di ricerca su un campione di operatori della sanità.

ABSTRACT

Health professionals are subject to a high risk of burnout syndrome due to specific stressful factors connected with their professional activity. This condition, which influences their quality of life, is characterized by physical and mental fatigue, a detached and apathetic attitude in social relations and feelings of frustration. The purpose of this study was to analyze, among a sample of 40 health professionals in a hospital in southern Italy, the relation between subjective feelings of satisfaction deriving from their professional activities and risk factors associated with burnout (age, sex, marital status, professional category, length of service in the health sector) . Participants were administered a questionnaire and tested by using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) X1 and X2, and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) scales. Mean age of participating subjects was 41 years (range 27-59), 52% were male, and 65% were married. Nurses, midwives, social workers and technicians reported a greater degree of anxiety with respect to physicians and psychologists. Younger professionals (ages 30-38), males, unmarried subjects, and those with less years of work experience were found to be at greatest risk for burnout. Results are in agreement with those reported in the literature.