Burnout Rate Among Health Workers: A Case Study at Lekma Hospital in the Ledzokuku Municipal, Greater Accra Region, Ghana

Abstract

Background: Healthcare systems globally depend on the dedication and resilience of their workforce to navigate challenges, particularly in high-stress environments like hospitals. A country without a proper healthcare system and personnel always suffers. Healthcare workers operate in highstress environments, often juggling long hours, heavy workloads, and emotionally demanding tasks. In such conditions, staff burnout has become a universal issue, raising significant concerns about the well-being of healthcare workers and the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery. Burnout among healthcare workers has increasingly been recognized as a major global public health problem, which may have an impact on workforce stability, qualityof care, and patient safety. Aim of the Study: The study aims to determine the prevalence, correlates, consequences, and preventive strategies of burnout among health care providers at the LEKMA Hospital in Ghana. Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional study design was employed to recruit 250 healthcare workers from various departments of LEKMA Hospital. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire incorporating the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize socio-demographic characteristics and burnout levels. Inferential analysis, including Chi-square tests and Fisher’s Exact test, was conducted to assess associations between burnout and explanatory variables. Variables that were statistically significant at the bivariate level were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model to identify independent predictors of burnout. Results: The findings revealed that 58.0%, 7.2%, and 34.8% of participants had high emotional exhaustion, high depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment, respectively. The overall prevalence of burnout was 15.2%. Multivariable analysis showed that poor management support was a significant predictor of burnout (AOR = 2.68, 95% CI: 1.32–5.41, p = 0.006). Burnout was also significantly associated with lack of work–life balance (p = 0.004), frequent night shifts or unpredictable schedules (p= 0.011), long working hours (p = 0.028), and lack of resources (p = 0.009). Additionally, burnout was significantly associated with reduced motivation (p < 0.001), decreased concentration (p < 0.001), difficulty maintaining work–life balance (p < 0.001), lower job satisfaction (p < 0.001), and negative effects on patient interactions (p < 0.001). All identified mitigation strategies, including recognition and reward systems, staff support meetings, stress management training, peer support, flexible scheduling, wellness initiatives, and employee assistance programs, were found to be significantly associated with burnout outcomes (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study concludes that burnout among healthcare workers at LEKMA Hospital is characterized primarily by high levels of emotional exhaustion and is driven largely by organizational and workplace factors rather than individual characteristics. Key determinants include poor management support, work–life imbalance, demanding work schedules, long working hours, and inadequate resources. Burnout significantly affects both healthcare delivery and worker well-being, with implications for productivity, patient care, and staff retention. Strengthening organizational support systems, improving work structures, and enhancing the implementation of mitigation strategies are essential to reducing burnout and promoting a healthier and more effective healthcare workforce.