Abstract
Health professionals are disproportionately affected by burnout compared to other occupational groups. This study aims to systematically review and meta-analyze thirteen occupational risk factors related to burnout syndrome among health professionals globally. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in August 2023. The protocol was registered in The International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), registration number CRD42023396081. Using a random-effects model, this meta-analysis assessed the association between occupational risk factors and burnout, reporting odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The meta-analysis included 109 studies from diverse global locations. Key factors influencing burnout included workplace bullying, job stress, and poor communication, with protective factors such as supportive work environments, adequate staffing, and individual resilience. All risk factors examined showed a significant positive relationship with burnout incidence. Workplace bullying was strongly associated with increased burnout (OR 4.05-15.01, p < 0.001). Similarly, low job satisfaction and high job stress were strongly associated with burnout, with ORs of 5.05 (95% CI 3.88-6.56, p < 0.001) and 4.21 (95% CI 1.62-10.94, p = 0.003), respectively. The review findings highlight the importance of addressing these risk factors through enhanced supportive work environments and promoting personal resilience strategies.