Academic burnout predictors in online university students and the influence of a healthy life pattern

This study aims to identify risk and protective factors associated with the stress perceived by online university students, and to establish profiles based on healthy or unhealthy life patterns. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted on a sample of 9155 students. To determine the elements linked to academic burnout, multiple logistic regression and GLM Univariate analysis tests were performed. The results show high burnout scores for the emotional exhaustion dimension, while scores for cynicism and efficacy dimensions were moderate. However, life satisfaction and resilience scores were adequate. The element most strongly associated with stress scores was developing a healthy life pattern. According to the interaction study comparing healthy/unhealthy life patterns, having children, leading an unhealthy life pattern, and being a woman are the characteristics that further raise the risk of burnout. These results allow for academic policies to be defined accordingly and provides a guide for student support services.