Emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment: exploring burnout in Gaza’s healthcare workforce during the war

Abstract Background Burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and diminished personal accomplishment (PA), has been extensively studied in various populations. However, there is limited research on burnout among healthcare workers (HCWs) in conflict zones, particularly in the Gaza Strip. This study aims to assess the prevalence of burnout, associated factors, coping strategies, and mental health among HCWs in the Gaza Strip during the ongoing conflict. Methods This cross-sectional study included 667 HCWs from various hospitals. Burnout was assessed using the Arabic version of the MBI-HSS Burnout Scale, which evaluates EE, DP, and PA. Sociodemographic and job-related characteristics, war-related experiences, coping mechanisms, and access to mental health services were also documented. Univariable analyses were followed by multivariable linear regression to identify factors associated with burnout subscales. Results Among the participants, 53% were female, and the median age was 25–34 years. Most participants were nurses (54.6%) or physicians (32.2%), with 39.7% living in tents due to forced displacement. High levels of EE, DP, and low PA were observed in 52%, 25%, and 40% of participants, respectively. Religious coping was the most reported mechanism (63.7%), but 78% lacked access to mental health services. Regression analyses identified significant associations between burnout subscales and variables such as age, profession, religious coping, and access to mental health services. Physicians reported higher EE, while religious coping and mental health access were associated with lower DP and higher PA. Conclusions HCWs in Gaza demonstrate alarmingly high burnout levels exacerbated by the ongoing conflict and inadequate mental health infrastructure. Religious coping emerged as a prominent mechanism, yet gaps in mental health service availability remain critical. Interventions to support HCWs’ mental health and address burnout are urgently needed.