Workplace Environment and Burn out in Public Health Workforce Inspection Services: Research Study

Despite the repeated evidence that point out the strong link between emotional exhaustion, personal accomplishment, depersonalization and total burn out, with workplace environment, the research on occupational risks and their consequences to the general wellbeing of Public Health inspection workforce services is limited. The aim of this study was to report the burnout of Public Health workforce in Greece and investigate possible relationships with workplace environment. This is a quantitative, cross-sectional, nationwide research study in Greece, conducted in the second and third quarters of 2021. For data collection, an online survey was conducted via email. The response rate was 27%. Burnout was measured with Maslach Burnout Inventory Questionnaire as adopted and pilot tested. 19.46% of participants report low burnout levels, 37.84% of participant's medium burnout levels and 42.70% high (above average) burnout levels. Burnout total score of rural environments was higher compared to all other groups (χ 2= 16.017, p <0.01), (β=0.455, p<0.001). Medium levels of Emotional exhaustion score were reported. Levels of depersonalization score were low. Personal Accomplishment of rural environment was higher compared to all other groups (χ 2= 26.417, p <0.01). Depersonalization of semi-urban environment was higher compared to all other groups (χ 2= 6.188, p <0.05). The findings indicated that burnout has proven to be an issue. This study contributes to the limited evidence supporting the link between burnout and adding new information to occupational health and safety for workplace environment which could be exploited to advance the quality of Public Health Services provision.