Prevalence and predictors of quiet quitting among healthcare professionals: a scale development and validation study

In recent years, “quiet quitting” (QQ) has emerged as a significant concern in the healthcare sector, reflecting a deeper disengagement from professional roles. Characterized by emotional exhaustion and detachment, QQ is influenced by various demographic and occupational factors. Understanding this phenomenon and its underlying causes is essential for promoting workforce sustainability and well-being. This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable instrument to assess QQ and its determinants among healthcare professionals (HPs). A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify existing research on QQ, and a 25-item draft scale was developed. Following expert evaluation, the scale was administered to 242 HPs for preliminary validation. Exploratory factor analysis and reliability assessments were performed to refine the instrument. The analysis yielded a refined 20-item scale comprising two subscales: “employee disengagement” and “emotional exhaustion and depersonalization.” The final version was administered to a larger sample of 436 HPs to evaluate the prevalence and causes of QQ. Findings revealed that 29.4% of participants experienced severe QQ. The condition was significantly associated with age, gender, education level, profession, work experience, and parental status. Contributing factors included increased workload (93.8%), unfavorable working conditions (90.6%), psychological violence from managers (90.6%), and low wages (90.6%). QQ emerges as a multidimensional syndrome encompassing dissatisfaction, emotional exhaustion, and detachment from professional responsibilities. The Quiet Quitting Scale for Health Professionals (QQS-HP) demonstrates strong psychometric properties and provides a valid tool for assessing disengagement in healthcare settings. Early identification and targeted interventions addressing systemic and managerial stressors are crucial for mitigating QQ and enhancing workforce well-being.