Prevalence and Predictors of Burnout Among Healthcare Workers During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
Keywords:
Burnout, Healthcare Workers, COVID-19, Systematic Review, Occupational Stress, Mental HealthAbstract
Abstract
Background:
Burnout among healthcare workers has emerged as a critical global issue, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The prolonged exposure to high workloads, emotional distress, and limited institutional support has led to alarming rates of psychological strain and professional exhaustion. Although numerous studies have investigated burnout during the pandemic, the long-term trends and predictors following the acute phase remain poorly understood, warranting a comprehensive synthesis of current evidence.
Objective:
This systematic review aimed to evaluate the prevalence, predictors, and persistence of burnout among healthcare workers during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, providing an updated understanding of its determinants and implications for clinical practice and workforce policy.
Methods:
Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for studies published between January 2020 and October 2025. Eligible studies included systematic reviews, cohort, and cross-sectional studies assessing burnout among healthcare workers during or post-pandemic. Two reviewers independently screened, extracted data, and assessed study quality using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. A qualitative synthesis was performed due to methodological heterogeneity.
Results:
Forty-seven studies encompassing over 95,000 healthcare workers were included. The pooled prevalence of burnout was 42.3% (95% CI: 38.1–46.5; p < 0.001), with emotional exhaustion being the most reported dimension. Female gender, frontline exposure, and inadequate organizational support were consistent predictors of burnout, while institutional support and resilience training mitigated risk.
Conclusion:
Burnout among healthcare professionals remains a widespread and enduring consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The evidence emphasizes the urgent need for organizational interventions, mental health support programs, and longitudinal studies to evaluate preventive strategies and promote workforce resilience.
Keywords:
Burnout, Healthcare Workers, COVID-19, Systematic Review, Occupational Stress, Mental Health
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