30 March 2024 | Matteo Di Vincenzo, Eleonora Arsenio, Bianca Della Rocca, Anna Rosa, Lucia Tretola, Rita Torrico, Alessia Boiano, Pierluigi Catapano, Sandra Cavaliere, Antonio Volpicelli, Gaia Sampogna and Andrea Fiorillo
This systematic review examines the prevalence of burnout among medical students worldwide, using validated tools. Out of 5547 initial papers, 64 studies were included, with sample sizes ranging from 51 to 2682 participants. The Maslach Burnout Inventory and its versions were the most commonly used assessment tools. Burnout prevalence ranged from 5.6% to 88%, with female students reporting higher levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization compared to males. Predictors of burnout included thoughts of stopping medical education, negative life events, lack of support, dissatisfaction, and poor motivation. Protective factors included social and emotional support, counseling services, relaxation, and physical exercise. The review highlights the need for preventive interventions to improve coping strategies and resilience in medical students.This systematic review examines the prevalence of burnout among medical students worldwide, using validated tools. Out of 5547 initial papers, 64 studies were included, with sample sizes ranging from 51 to 2682 participants. The Maslach Burnout Inventory and its versions were the most commonly used assessment tools. Burnout prevalence ranged from 5.6% to 88%, with female students reporting higher levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization compared to males. Predictors of burnout included thoughts of stopping medical education, negative life events, lack of support, dissatisfaction, and poor motivation. Protective factors included social and emotional support, counseling services, relaxation, and physical exercise. The review highlights the need for preventive interventions to improve coping strategies and resilience in medical students.