Predicting Burnout Among HIV/AIDS and Oncology Health Care Workers

Authors: Dorz S.; Novara C.; Sica C.; Sanavio E.

Source: Psychology and Health, Volume 18, Number 5, October 2003 , pp. 677-684(8)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $50.43 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

Psychological stress and coping strategies in staff working with AIDS and with cancer patients were assessed using self-report methods. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Coping Orientations to Problems Experiences (COPE), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Depression Questionnaire (DQ) were completed by staff from 20 hospitals of North-Center Italy, including 268 doctors and nurses working with people with AIDS and 260 doctors and nurses working in oncology. Few significant differences were found between two units on the MBI, COPE subscale and depression/anxiety. When a Bonferroni corrected p level of p < 0.0025 was used, the difference on Emotional Exhaustion (EE) subscale of MBI still remained statistically significant, indicating greater exhaustion in the oncology staff. The regression analysis suggested that the negative aspects of burnout were predicted primary by professional status (being a doctor), type of unit (oncology), depression and the use of the humor as a coping strategy. In contrast personal accomplishment was better predicted by positive coping strategies (i.e. planning, restraint coping, non-denial) and low level of anxiety.

Keywords: Burnout; Predictive factors; Coping style; HIV/AIDS; Oncology

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0887044031000141180

Affiliations: 1: Department of General Psychology University of Padova via Venezia 8 - 35131 Padova Italy

Publication date: 2003-10-01