Prevalence of burnout and its associated factors among students at Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MAKCHS)

Abstract

Background: Burnout is a psychological response to prolonged academic, emotional, and environmental stressors, commonly affecting students in demanding health sciences programs. At Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS), the academic pressure, clinical exposure, and limited mental health resources may heighten the risk of burnout, yet comprehensive data on its prevalence and determinants remain scarce. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of burnout and assess the factors associated with its occurrence among undergraduate students at MakCHS. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 358 undergraduate students and participants were got from all academic years. Data was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire incorporating the Maslach Burnout Inventory and domains assessing demographic characteristics, academic stressors, environmental conditions, and institutional support systems. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. Bivariate analysis was conducted using chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of burnout. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of burnout among students was 41.3%. Bivariate analysis identified significant associations between burnout and several factors, including hours studied per day (p=0.015), frequent feelings of being overwhelmed (p<0.001), examination-related stress (p=0.022), academic workload difficulty (p=0.004), non-conducive learning environments (p=0.003), and dissatisfaction with institutional wellness and mental health support programs (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that students who often felt overwhelmed (AOR=2.51; 95% CI: 1.56–4.03), experienced academic workload difficulty (AOR=1.88; 95% CI: 1.14–3.10), and lacked sufficient mental health support (AOR=2.27; 95% CI: 1.13–4.56) were significantly more likely to experience burnout. Conclusion: Burnout is highly prevalent among students at MakCHS and is strongly influenced by academic pressure, emotional stress, and inadequate institutional support. These findings underscore the urgent need for the development and implementation of targeted interventions such as mental health services, academic counselling, and student wellness programs to mitigate burnout and promote academic and psychological wellbeing.