Abstract
BACKGROUND: Academic Burnout (ABO) is prevalent among medical students and is characterized by mental and physical exhaustion, cynicism, and a sense of inadequacy. Informal Peer-Assisted Learning (IPAL) is recognized as an effective strategy to enhance student wellness and mitigate ABO by fostering collaborative learning and support without direct faculty oversight. This study evaluates the effectiveness of IPAL in reducing ABO, focusing on the mediation of the observed variables and its impact on student well-being. METHODS: This study extends previous research using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to include mediation analysis of the observed variables within the latent constructs of Cynicism (CY) and Inadequacy (IN) that are thought to influence the relationship between IPAL and ABO. Data were sourced from a validated Student Burnout Inventory (SBI-8) across a sample of medical students with varied IPAL engagement levels. Our approach used General Linear Model (GLM) mediation models to explore both direct and indirect effects of IPAL on ABO. RESULTS: The indirect effect of IPAL on ABO is mediated through specific observed variables, including CY2 "loss of interest in academic work" (β = -0.092, CI, -0.174/-0.011, p = 0.027), IN1 "feeling of inadequacy" (β = -0.062, CI, -0.12/-0.005, p = 0.035), and IN2 "reduced academic expectations" (β = -0.042, CI, -0.079/-0.007, p = 0.025). The total effect of IPAL on ABO was significant (β = 0.170 CI, -0.326/-0.010, p = 0.034), the total indirect effect was significant (β = -0.197, CI, -0.338/-0.055, p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: IPAL effectively addresses critical aspects of burnout, specifically through reducing feelings of cynicism and inadequacy among medical students. These results provide a valuable framework in designing targeted interventions to reduce ABO.