Burnout syndrome in medicine students: an integrative literature review

Abstract

Burnout Syndrome (BS) is a set of signs and symptoms of psychological origin, in which the individual presents, mainly, physical/emotional exhaustion, psychological exhaustion, depersonalization and low personal fulfillment. Professionals who maintain an intense work routine are more predictable to contract Burnout, including medical students among these individuals. The present article aims to evaluate the prevalence of risk factors as well as the consequences of Burnout Syndrome in medical students. The present study is an integrative literature review of a quantitative nature. PubMed and Medline were used as a database. The descriptors in Health Sciences (DeCS) were used: "medical students", "burnout syndrome" and "public health". Among the analyzed literature, it was noted that the prevalence of Burnout is approximately 50% among the academic environment. Of this total, 25 to 75% refer to intentions of dropping out of the course, suicidal ideation, caused by overload and emotional exhaustion. Among the analyzed sexes, the female is the one that suffers the most from this disease, women over 21 years old are targets of mental exhaustion, depersonalization and worsening of health. Regarding the period of college, even if their academic performance is satisfactory, there is a prevalence of SB among students from the 1st to the 10th period. A high relationship between the Syndrome and lack of sleep has been demonstrated, which causes damage to physical and psychological well-being. To make the situation even worse, many use unhealthy habits, such as the use of sedative and psychoactive drugs, as well as energy drinks to feel capable of performing their academic tasks. In this sense, it is noted that medical students have a high probability of developing BS, due to high study hours, exhausting routine and feeling of helplessness, among other factors. Many of these academics have suicidal thoughts and emotional problems. In view of this, it is necessary to further study this theme in order to reduce or even end these sufferings.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56238/pacfdnsv1-153