Burnout Dimensions and Associated Factors Among Orthopedic and Traumatology Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study from Türkiye

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Burnout is an important occupational health concern among orthopedic and traumatology physicians. This study aimed to evaluate the individual dimensions of burnout and identify their demographic and occupational correlates among orthopedic and traumatology physicians practicing in T & uuml;rkiye. Methods: This cross-sectional study used an anonymous online survey distributed through the Turkish Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology electronic mailing group between October 2024 and June 2026. Burnout was assessed using the Turkish adaptation of the 22-item Maslach Burnout Inventory, comprising the Emotional Exhaustion (EE), Depersonalization (DP), and Personal Accomplishment (PA) subscales. Unadjusted group comparisons, Spearman correlation analyses, and separate multivariable linear regression models with HC3 heteroscedasticity-consistent standard errors were performed. Results: A total of 320 complete questionnaires were analyzed. The mean EE, DP, and PA scores were 20.17 +/- 6.83, 7.40 +/- 3.58, and 20.37 +/- 4.19, respectively. The subscale scores were analyzed as continuous dimensions rather than classified using low-, moderate-, or high-burnout thresholds. In unadjusted comparisons, residents had higher EE and DP scores and lower PA scores than specialists. After adjustment, resident status remained associated with higher DP (B = 2.14, p = 0.010) and lower PA (B = -1.92, p = 0.018). Seeing more than 120 patients per day was associated with higher EE (B = 4.22, p = 0.023) and DP (B = 2.49, p = 0.018), while working more than 100 h per week was associated with higher EE (B = 4.47, p = 0.009). Individual predictor effect sizes and the explanatory power of the models were generally modest. Conclusions: Daily patient volume, weekly working hours, and professional status showed distinct associations with the individual dimensions of burnout. These findings suggest that workload organization and support for resident physicians warrant consideration. However, because of the cross-sectional design and voluntary non-probability sampling, the findings should not be interpreted as causal or nationally representative.