Chronic diseases, age and gender: examining the contribution to burnout symptoms in a sample of 2075 Canadian workers

Purpose This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the role of chronic diseases, and their interactions with age and gender, on the emotional exhaustion component of the burnout syndrome. Methods Data came from the Salveo Study conducted in 2009–2012. It contained a random sample of 2075 Canadian workers employed in 63 workplaces. Multilevel regression models were estimated. Main effects of chronic diseases were first evaluated, and then age-chronic diseases interactions were tested. Analyses were performed on the total sample and stratified by gender. All analyses were adjusted for work conditions decision latitude, physical and psychological demands, work hours, social support and rewards. Results Mental and behavioural disorders, diseases of the nervous system, the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue, and genitourinary system are associated with a higher level of burnout symptoms. Associations with mental and behavioural disorders, and diseases of the nervous system are stronger for men than women. Age increases the association of behavioural disorders, diseases of the nervous system, and genitourinary system and burnout. Age may moderate the association of nervous and genitourinary systems diseases with burnout in women. Conclusion Workplaces must be more proactive to better recognise the role of chronic diseases on burnout and to implement preventive measures. The development of interventions towards specific risk groups is needed.