Assessment of the relationship between physical activity and burnout levels of healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective: During outbreaks, healthcare workers may encounter mental health challenges, including an increased risk of infection and burnout. Physical inactivity due to widespread restrictions may significantly worsen these adverse effects. This study aims to assess burnout and physical activity levels among healthcare workers in hospitals during the COVID-19 outbreak and to examine the relationship between these factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 294 healthcare professionals, including nurses, midwives, health technicians, physiotherapists, laboratory technicians, and emergency medical technicians, working in outpatient or inpatient clinics at a university hospital, separate from the COVID-19-related study units. Research data were collected from November 10, 2021, to February 10, 2022. The Maslach Burnout Inventory, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and a sociodemographic form were used as data collection tools. Results: Among the participants included in the study, 63.9% were female, 36.1% were male, and the mean age was 29.40±6.39 (min: 19, max: 58). Additionally, 70.1% of the participants were employed in units related to COVID-19. The emotional exhaustion and desensitization subscales were higher in physicians and nurses working in COVID-19 units (p