PREVALENCE OF BURNOUT AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH MUSCULOSKELETAL PROBLEMS AMONG PHYSIOTHERAPISTS OF KPK

Background: Burnout is a multidimensional syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment that frequently affects healthcare professionals. Physiotherapists are particularly vulnerable due to the physical and psychological demands of their profession. At the same time, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent a common occupational health concern in this group, often impairing their professional performance and overall well-being. Understanding the interaction between burnout and MSDs is essential to safeguard healthcare delivery and promote workforce sustainability. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of burnout and examine its association with musculoskeletal problems among physiotherapists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between March and September 2023, including 109 physiotherapists recruited through convenience sampling from various regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Data collection was carried out using an online Google Form. Burnout was measured with the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), while musculoskeletal symptoms were assessed using the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (SNMQ). Demographic data including age, gender, occupational role, and working hours were also recorded. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic details, while the Chi-square test assessed associations between burnout and musculoskeletal complaints, with significance set at p < 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval. Results: Of the 109 participants, 54 (49.5%) were male and 55 (50.5%) were female. The distribution of burnout showed 30 (27.5%) had no burnout, 50 (45.9%) had mild burnout, 21 (19.3%) had moderate burnout, and 8 (7.3%) had severe burnout. Neck pain was the most frequently reported musculoskeletal complaint, affecting 72.5% of participants, followed by shoulder and lower back pain. A significant association was identified between burnout and musculoskeletal issues, with p-values of 0.021 for knee pain in the past 12 months, 0.002 for neck pain interfering with work, and 0.019 for elbow pain during the past 7 days. Conclusion: Burnout was highly prevalent among physiotherapists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and was significantly associated with musculoskeletal problems, particularly neck, shoulder, and lower back pain. These findings emphasize the importance of workplace interventions such as stress management training, workload optimization, and improved working conditions to reduce burnout and its related physical health consequences, ultimately enhancing professional well-being and patient care.