Prevalence and Predictors of Burnout Syndrome Among Emergency Physicians in Gauteng Province Public Hospitals: A South African Study

Burnout syndrome is an occupational hazard in high-stress medical environments such as emergency departments. Within South Africa's strained public healthcare system, the psychological impact on emergency physicians is under-researched. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of burnout syndrome and to identify its key predictors among emergency physicians working in public hospitals in Gauteng Province. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. Burnout was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory across the domains of emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and personal accomplishment. Demographic and work-related variables were collected. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression. A high prevalence of burnout was found, with 68.4% of participants meeting the criteria for high emotional exhaustion. Significant predictors of burnout included high weekly workload, lack of departmental support, and insufficient recovery time between shifts. Lower levels of burnout were associated with greater job autonomy. Burnout syndrome is highly prevalent among emergency physicians in Gauteng's public hospitals, indicating a critical occupational health concern. The syndrome is strongly linked to modifiable work-related factors. Healthcare management should implement targeted interventions to reduce workload, improve support structures, and ensure adequate rest periods. Further research should evaluate the effectiveness of such interventions in this setting. Burnout, Professional; Emergency Medicine; Physicians; Public Hospitals; Occupational Stress; South Africa This study provides the first provincial-level data on burnout and its predictors among emergency physicians in South Africa's public sector, offering an evidence base for developing targeted support programmes.