# Prevalence of burnout among Brazilian Army soldiers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional analysis

## TL;DR

This study found a high rate of burnout among Brazilian Army soldiers during the pandemic, with factors like rank and age playing a role.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into burnout prevalence and risk factors among Brazilian military personnel during the pandemic.

## Key findings

- Burnout syndrome prevalence was 48.7% among Brazilian Army soldiers during the pandemic.
- Emotional exhaustion was more common in older soldiers, higher ranks, and those with over 10 years of service.
- Low personal accomplishment was linked to lower ranks and administrative duties.

## Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the mental health of frontline
workers, including military personnel.

To determine the prevalence of burnout syndrome among Brazilian Army
personnel during the pandemic and identify associated predictive
variables.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 602 volunteer military personnel
in the city of Santa Maria, Brazil. The Maslach Burnout Inventory was used
to assess burnout syndrome, defined by high levels of emotional exhaustion,
depersonalization, or low personal accomplishment. Logistic regression was
performed to identify associated factors.

The prevalence ofburnout syndrome was 48.7%. High levels of emotional
exhaustion, depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment were found in
53.8%, 58.4%, and 27.0% of participants, respectively. Emotional exhaustion
was more common in those with over 10 years of service (p = 0.001), higher
rank (p < 0.001), and age > 40 years (p = 0.008). Low personal
accomplishment was associated with lower rank (p = 0.007) and administrative
duties (p = 0.032).

Burnout syndrome was highly prevalent among military personnel in Brazil
during the pandemic, with findings similar to those observed in other
professional groups.