Burnout Rate Among Iraqi Neurology Residents (P2.9-019)

Objective: Preliminary self-rated burnout data from current resident physicians in Iraq compared between those specializing in neurology and other specialties. Background: Previous research in western societies indicates that neurology residents experience higher rates of burnout than residents in the majority of other specialties. Burnout out has not been examined among resident physicians in Iraq. Design/Methods: Advertisements posted in relevant Facebook groups sought current resident physicians in Iraq to provide input about their experiences with burnout. Participants completed an online survey covering demographics and work environment. They completed the Mini Z Burnout Questionnaire, modified to 8 items by excluding 2 items about EMRs because they are not widely used in Iraq at this time. Results: Participants include 87 current residents in Iraq reporting a specialty. 16 (15.6%) specialized in neurology, including 1 in psychiatry. 42 (41.2%) were classified as internal medicine (IM) and 29 (28.4%) as ‘other’. The specialties differed in sex-distribution, children, and length of residency but were statistically similar in age, marital status, patients/day, work-hours/week, and overnight shifts. A trend emerged in the ANOVA, F (2,62) = 2.57, p = 0.08, whereby neurology residents reported higher burnout on the ‘using your own definition’ item, t (62) = 2.26, p = 0.08. Group differences on other Mini Z Burnout items were not significant. Conclusions: The results suggest that neurology residents in Iraq may experience higher rates of burnout than residents in other specialties. This is consistent with prior research in western societies and implies the factors involved in burnout amongst neurologists may transcend western societal frameworks. Future directions and policy implications are discussed. Disclosure: Dr. Al-Janabi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Barber has nothing to disclose. Dr. Boggess has nothing to disclose. Dr. O’Connor has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mahuwala has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ainger has nothing to disclose. Dr. Caban-Holt has nothing to disclose. Dr. Jicha has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Alltech. Dr. Jicha has received research support from Abbvie, Alltech, Esai, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Suven. Dr. Murphy has nothing to disclose.