Work-Life Balance and Leisure Engagement in Relation to Burnout among Nurses: A Comparative Study of Public and Private Hospitals

Background Burnout among nurses continues to be a major concern, with implications for patient safety, quality of care, and workforce stability. Work-Life Balance (WLB) and engagement in leisure activities are often considered protective factors. However, limited research has explored whether WLB influences how leisure activities contribute to reducing burnout, particularly across different hospital sectors. This study aimed to investigate the moderating role of WLB in the relationship between leisure activity engagement and burnout among nurses, and to compare these relationships between public and private hospitals. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 168 nurses working in public and private hospitals in Riau, Indonesia. Burnout was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey, WLB was measured with a validated scale, and leisure engagement was evaluated using a structured index. Multivariable linear regression with interaction terms was applied, controlling for demographic and occupational factors. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on hospital type. Results Nurses in private hospitals reported higher levels of burnout and poorer WLB compared to those in public hospitals. Leisure engagement was associated with lower burnout only among nurses with adequate WLB. The moderating effect of WLB was significant in both groups, with a stronger effect observed in private hospitals. Shift work, extended working hours, and high workload were consistently associated with increased burnout. Conclusion WLB plays a critical moderating role in strengthening the protective effect of leisure activities on burnout. Integrating WLB-supportive policies with opportunities for restorative leisure may be essential for improving nurse well-being and maintaining quality care.