Burnout among general practitioners in Algeria

Burn-out syndrome (BO) in general practitioners (GPs) is a public health issue. It is "a syndrome of emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP) and reduced personal accomplishment (AP) that appears in individuals professionally involved with others". The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of this syndrome and its three dimensions among GPs. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 463 GPs practicing in health and hospital facilities in Sétif. The prevalence of BO was 49%. Several factors were associated with the dimensions of BO, but workload appeared to be the major risk. Its main consequences appear to be somatic complaints and the fear of committing a medical error. To this end, it is imperative to be aware of the possible impact of this syndrome on the deterioration of GPs' state of health. A preventive approach focusing on analysis of working conditions and medical surveillance in the care environment is essential. The involvement of occupational health services would seem to be a matter of course.