Burnout among Algerian public healthcare workers: Prevalence, predictors, and the protective roles of self-compassion and communication skills

<h2>Abstract</h2> Burnout among Algerian public healthcare workers remains understudied despite staffing shortages, limited resources, and heavy workloads. This study examined prevalence and predictors of burnout, focusing on self-compassion and communication skills. A cross-sectional survey of 387 practitioners from public hospitals used validated Arabic measures: Burnout Assessment Tool–Short Version, Self-Compassion Scale–Short Form, and Health Professionals Communication Skills Scale–Short Form. Practitioners aged 31–40 reported the highest burnout and exhaustion (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Females showed greater exhaustion than males (p < 0.05). Emergency/ICU/surgery staff reported lower burnout (p < 0.05). Burnout correlated positively with self-judgment, isolation, and over-identification, and negatively with empathy, respect, and social skills (p < 0.05). In regressions, self-judgment (β = 0.21) and over-identification (β = 0.12) predicted burnout, while empathy (β = −0.14) and social skills (β = −0.10) were protective. Self-judgment is the strongest risk factor, while empathy and social skills are protective. Interventions fostering self-compassion and communication skills may help reduce burnout.