Burnout among physical therapy students

Abstract

Burnout refers to a professional phenomenon of wear out, clearly seen in professionals and students who continuously attend to or care for people. The aim of this study was to verify the prevalence of burnout syndrome
among physical therapy graduating students at the State University of Londrina (PR, Brazil). Data were obtained by means of a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Maslach Burnout Inventory, duly translated and validated to Brazil. Data were statistically analysed. The sample was made up by 51 students (40 women and 11 men), aged 20-27 years old. The analysis of burnout inventory data showed moderate scores for emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, pointing to stress compatible to the burnout syndrome. In the last year of the course, students develop activities with patients and are submitted to professors supervision and valuation. Besides, they have to deal with practical situations which they have not developed adequate means of facing.