Abstract

Context: Residency training, particularly in anaesthesiology, is known for its high demands and stress, potentially leading to burnout. This study aimed to assess the levels of perceived stress and burnout among anaesthesiology residents in India.

Aims: This study aimed to assess the levels of perceived stress and burnout among anaesthesiology residents in tertiary care hospitals in India.

Settings and Design:

• Study Design: cross-sectional, observational study

•Study Participants: Indian Anaesthesiology residents working in tertiary care hospitals

•Sampling Method: convenience sampling

Methods and Material: A total of 109 anaesthesiology residents participated in this study. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) was used to assess perceived stress, while burnout was measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), focusing on emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. Data were analysed to examine the relationship between stress and burnout with demographic variables such as age, gender, marital status, and year of residency.

Statistical analysis used: The sample size was determined using the formula proposed by Hulley et al. (2013), with parameters such as Z_α = 1.96 (Standard normal value at α = 0.05) and Z_β = 0.8416 (Standard normal value for β = 20%). The sample sizes for different correlation values were calculated, and 103 participants were determined to be the minimum required number for the study. A final of 109 participants were considered in this study. (Hulley SB, 2013) The collected data will be coded and entered into an Excel database for analysis. Qualitative variables will be expressed as frequencies and percentages, while quantitative variables will be reported as means and standard deviations. Spearman’s rank correlation will be used to assess the relationship between perceived stress and occupational burnout, with a significance level set at p<0.05.

Results: The majority of participants (58.7%) reported moderate stress, with 40.4% experiencing high stress. Nearly 89% of residents were categorized as having high burnout. A significant positive correlation was found between perceived stress and emotional exhaustion (r = 0.627, p < 0.001) and a moderate correlation with depersonalization (r = 0.345, p < 0.001). Married residents reported higher levels of stress and emotional exhaustion than unmarried residents (p = 0.002 and p = 0.005, respectively). No significant differences were observed between genders or across years of residency in terms of stress or burnout.

Conclusions: The findings indicate that anaesthesiology residents in India experience high levels of perceived stress and burnout, with married residents being more susceptible. This highlights the need for targeted interventions, such as mental health support and wellness programs, to address stress and burnout during residency training.

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Funding