Burnout Prevalence Among Postgraduate Medical Trainees in the Eastern Health Cluster, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Burnout among medical professionals is recognized globally, with significant implications for mental health and patient care. This study evaluates the prevalence of burnout among postgraduate medical trainees in the Eastern Health Cluster of Saudi Arabia, aiming to fill the research gap in this region, where specific cultural and training factors may contribute uniquely to burnout. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2024 across various healthcare facilities within the Eastern Health Cluster. A total of 422 postgraduate medical trainees participated, providing data through a Google Form survey, which included the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel (MBI-HSS(MP)). Results: The study found a high prevalence of burnout symptoms among trainees: 30.3% reported high levels of emotional exhaustion, 24.9% reported high levels of depersonalization, and a significant 86.3% felt low levels of personal accomplishment. Burnout rates varied significantly across specialties and training levels, suggesting targeted interventions were needed. Conclusions: The high prevalence of burnout underscores the critical need for tailored preventive strategies and interventions within the training environments to effectively address and mitigate burnout among medical trainees. Future research should explore longitudinal interventions to reduce burnout and enhance trainee well-being.