Job-Related Burnout and the Relationship to Quality of Life Among Chinese Medical College Staff

Abstract

Although staffs in medical colleges have traditionally been characterized as a stressed group of people, there are no specific studies assessing burnout and the relationship to quality of life (QOL). The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate job-related burnout and the relationship to QOL among medical college staff in mainland China. Some 360 medical college staffs from 15 schools and departments were enrolled in the study. The Chinese Teachers’ Burnout Inventory (TBI) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life—brief Chinese version were used. Data on sociodemographic, work-related, and health-related factors were also collected. Multiple stepwise regression analysis was used to identify significant factors related to the 3 domain scores of the TBI. Structural equation modeling was performed to test the correlation between job-related burnout and QOL. The most significant and common predictors of burnout prevention were a love of the teaching profession and work acknowledgment from a direct supervisor. Job-related burnout had a direct negative effect on QOL. Corresponding health policies and suggestions could be developed to prevent job-related burnout and improve QOL.

Keywords:

• burnout
• medical
• quality of life

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Cao Ximei, Yan Bayi, Li Jun, and Song Feng at Preclinical Medical College; Zhang Qiangqiang at School of Forensic Medicine; Yang Chunrong and Lining at Pharmaceutical College; Mu Le at Department of Foreign Language Teaching; Ying Feng at School of Stomatology; Tong Ling and Zhang Zhuowei at Department of Medical Image; and Chang Yanmin at Nursing College for their support of this study.