AUTHOR=Mijakoski Dragan , Atanasovska Aneta , Bislimovska Dragana , Brborović Hana , Brborović Ognjen , Cvjeanov Kezunović Ljiljana , Milošević Milan , Minov Jordan , Önal Buhara , Pranjić Nurka , Rapas Liliana , Stoleski Sasho , Vangelova Katya , Žaja Roko , Bulat Petar , Milovanović Aleksandar , Karadžinska-Bislimovska Jovanka 

TITLE=Associations of burnout with job demands/resources during the pandemic in health workers from Southeast European countries

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology

VOLUME=Volume 14 - 2023

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1258226

DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1258226

ISSN=1664-1078

ABSTRACT=Introduction. Despite several studies assessing job demands and burnout in countries from the South-East European (SEE) region, there is still a lack of data about the psychological impact of the pandemic on health workers (HWs). Aims. The present study aimed to demonstrate and compare levels of burnout dimensions in HWs from SEE countries, and to reveal the burnout -job demands/resources relationships in these workers during the pandemic. Materials and methods. During Autumn, 2020, this online multicentric crosssectional survey studied a large group (N=4.621) of HWs working in SEE countries. Maslach Burnout Inventory was used for the measurement of burnout dimensions. We analyzed the job demands by using the Hospital Experience Scale. Remuneration and Relationship with superior were measured using Questionnaire sur les Ressources et Contraintes Professionnelles (English version). Results. A series of ANOVA comparisons of means revealed: countries in which respondents showed higher mean values of emotional exhaustion (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Moldova, Montenegro, and RN Macedonia) and countries in which respondents showed lower mean values of this burnout dimension (Israel and Romania) (Welch F = 17.98, p<0.001). We have also found differences between HWs from different countries in job demands and job resources. The testing of hierarchical regression models, which have been controlled for certain confounding factors, clearly revealed that emotional exhaustion was predicted by job demands (R 2 =.37) and job resources (R 2 =.16). Conclusion. Preventive measures for the improvement of mental health in HWs during the pandemic and beyond have to take into account the differences between countries regarding the country context and current scientific knowledge. Modified stress test should be implemented in hospitals regarding future shocks that might include new pandemics, terrorism, catastrophes, or some border conflicts.