Burnout Prevalence and Associated Factors in Sixth-Year Medical Students: A Focus on Lifestyle and Career Influences
Burnout Prevelance in Medical Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71350/efm.39Keywords:
Burnout syndrome; Medical students; Copenhagen Burnout Inventory; Lifestyle factors; Medical educationAbstract
Objective
This study aimed to assess burnout levels among sixth-year medical students using the Turkish version of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) and to examine its association with lifestyle and occupational factors, including sleep, physical activity, dietary habits, and career-related intentions.
Methods
This single-center, cross-sectional study was conducted among sixth-year medical students at Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University Faculty of Medicine during the 2025–2026 academic year. Data were collected using a sociodemographic and lifestyle questionnaire and the Turkish version of the CBI. Burnout was evaluated across three domains: personal, work-related, and patient-related burnout. Statistical analyses included t-tests, ANOVA, non-parametric tests, and Spearman correlation analysis.
Results
A total of 56 students participated in the study. The mean scores for personal, work-related, and patient-related burnout were 68.60 ± 18.07, 60.71 (17.86), and 58.33 (25.00), respectively, indicating predominantly moderate-to-high burnout levels. Sleep duration, physical activity frequency, and exercise duration were negatively correlated with all burnout dimensions. Perceived dietary status was significantly associated with burnout levels. Additionally, intention to pursue specialty training and take the Turkish Medical Specialization Exam (TUS) was significantly related to personal burnout. No significant association was found between gender or living arrangement and burnout levels.
Conclusion
Medical students demonstrated considerable levels of burnout, which were significantly associated with modifiable lifestyle factors such as sleep, exercise, and dietary habits, as well as career-related stressors. These findings highlight the importance of early preventive interventions that target lifestyle modifications and psychological support to reduce burnout and improve academic performance and future professional well-being.
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