Original Research
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
08:30 AM–10:00 AM
Abstract
Introduction: COVID-19 exacerbated burnout in Lebanon, amid economic collapse, political turmoil, and the Beirut Port explosion, with limited gender-specific data.
Research Question or Hypothesis:
This study examined burnout in Lebanese women and men during COVID-19, exploring gender differences and mitigation strategies.
Study Design: A cross-sectional survey of 423 adults (July 2021 - August 2022) used the Maslach Burnout Inventory – General Survey.
Methods:
Utilizing the Maslach Burnout Inventory – General Survey (MBI-GS), participants reported exhaustion (= 12), cynicism (= 11), and low professional efficacy (= 21). Burnout was defined as exhaustion with either cynicism or low efficacy. The survey gathered demographic, family, and professional data, stressors, and burnout mitigation strategies. Analyses were gender-stratified, using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s chi-squared test. Bivariate associations between burnout indicators and sample characteristics were tested using Pearson’s chi-square. Odds ratios (OR) and adjusted ORs for burnout were estimated via logistic regressions.
Results:
Lebanese women experienced higher rates of burnout compared to men during the pandemic, with significant differences observed in emotional exhaustion (p = 0.006). Factors associated with burnout varied between genders, with women more likely to exhibit exhaustion when residing in the Beqaa, Mount or North Lebanon governorates, being single, having children aged 10-15 years, and most interestingly when lacking support from their boss/institution. Stressors such as the Lebanese economic crisis and the Beirut Port Explosion were significantly linked to burnout in both genders, with the economic crisis particularly associated with higher levels of exhaustion in men (p = 0.011) and cynicism in both genders (p = 0.001 for men, p = 0.039 for women). Coping strategies, including COVID-19 precautions, social activities, and religious practices, were effective in reducing burnout among both women and men who experienced burnout (p = 0.039 and 0.03, respectively).
Conclusion: Gender-sensitive approaches are essential to addressing pandemic burnout, advocating tailored interventions and supportive work environments, especially for women.
Presenting Author
Lamis Karaoui PharmD, FCCP, BCPSLebanese American University
Authors
Aniella Abi-Gerges PhD
Lebanese American University
Melissa Bou Malham MD
University of Florida
Myriam Boueri MD
Lebanese American University
Hani Dimassi MPH, PhD
Lebanese American University - School of Pharmacy
Edwin Feghali MD
Lebanese American University
Ranime Harb BSPharm
Lebanese American University - School of Pharmacy
Jana Mourad MA
University of Kassel
Elma Nassar PhD
Lebanese American University
Marie Josee Salem MD
Lebanese American University
Myriam Sfeir MA
Lebanese American University