Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of burnout among doctors of chiropractic in South Africa and compare these results with burnout data from other healthcare professionals and chiropractors from other countries. Method: This investigative qualitative study applied cross-sectional data collection using nonprobability convenience sampling. The Chiropractic Association of South Africa provided contact information of all the registered chiropractors on their members register. Participants included in the study were qualified and registered chiropractors whose primary occupation involved the chiropractic profession. The Maslach Burnout Inventory – Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel (MBIHSS (MP)) and a 20-question demographic questionnaire were emailed to a random sample of registered chiropractors. Results: The survey return rate was 11.3%. Of the 700 surveys sent out, 83 surveys were returned to the researcher. Only data from 79 surveys was useable. Of those surveyed, 12.7% reported a high level of emotional exhaustion, while 36.7% reported a moderate level. A further 7.6% reported a moderate level of depersonalisation. In total, two participants (2.5%) met the criteria for severe burnout and two participants (2.5%) for high levels of burnout. The majority, 71 participants (90%), had low level of burnout and 94% of chiropractors scored outstanding levels of personal accomplishment. Statistically significant associations were found between burnout subdivisions and the effect of time dedicated to administrative tasks, the number of hours worked per week, the public’s opinion on chiropractors, the varying chiropractic philosophical perspectives and the consequence of suffering from a work-related injury. When comparing the data from this study with data from other healthcare professionals who used the MBI-HSS (MP) and with chiropractors from other countries, the rate of burnout among chiropractors in South Africa is significantly low. Conclusion: The representatives of chiropractors in this study had encouraging scores in all three subdivisions of burnout. They revealed lower emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation levels and higher personal accomplishment levels than other medical professionals such as nurses, dentists, medical specialists and physical and occupational therapists. The sample of chiropractors had better scores in all subdivisions than the chiropractors in America who have been evaluated using the MBIHSS (MP).
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)