Burnout and its relationship with perceived stress, self-efficacy, depression, social support, and programmatic factors in general surgery residents

Burnout affects surgical residents’ well-being. We sought to identify factors associated with burnout among surgery residents. An electronic/anonymous survey was sent to surgical residents at 18 programs, consisting of demographic/programmatic questions and validated scales for burnout, depression, perceived stress, self-efficacy, and social support. Residents were grouped into quartiles based off burnout, and predictors were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses. 42% of residents surveyed completed it. Burnout was associated with depression, higher perceived stress/debt, fewer weekends off, less programmatic social events, and residents were less likely to reconsider surgery if given the chance. Low burnout was associated with lower depression/stress, higher social support/self-efficacy, more weekends off per month, program mentorship, lower debt, and residents being more likely to choose surgery again if given the chance. On multivariate analysis, higher depression/perceived stress were associated with burnout, and lower burnout scores were associated with lower stress/higher self-efficacy. Burnout in surgery residents is associated with higher levels of depression and perceived stress. The addition of programmatic social events, limiting weekend work, and formal mentoring programs may decrease burnout. •Burnout is associated with general surgery residency.•Burnout is associated with depression, higher perceived stress.•Burnout is associated with fewer weekends off and less social events.•Lower burnout is associated with lower stress and higher self-efficacy.•The addition of programmatic changes may alter burnout in residents.