# Burnout Among Italian Medical Doctors: A Cross-Sectional Study on Emotional Exhaustion, Depersonalization, and Gratification Post-COVID-19

## TL;DR

This study finds high burnout levels among Italian doctors, with differences based on gender, graduation year, and medical specialty.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific demographic and professional factors linked to burnout in Italian physicians post-COVID-19.

## Key findings

- 76.7% of physicians reported low personal gratification, and 70.8% showed high depersonalization.
- Female physicians and recent graduates experienced significantly lower gratification and higher distress.
- Otorhinolaryngology had the highest burnout risk but also the highest gratification scores.

## Abstract

Background: Burnout is a growing concern among medical doctors, particularly in high-pressure environments, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigates the prevalence and determinants of burnout among physicians working in a large hospital in Southern Italy. Methods: This online cross-sectional survey evaluated burnout and emotional distress among physicians and trainees at Catania Hospital using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Data collection (July–August 2025) incorporated strict anonymity to mitigate social desirability bias. Statistical analyses, including chi-squared tests with Tukey adjustments and Pearson correlations, were stratified by sex and specialization area to identify significant psychological associations. Results: High levels of burnout were observed across all dimensions: 76.7% of respondents reported low personal gratification, 70.8% showed high depersonalization, and nearly 50% experienced high emotional exhaustion. Female physicians and recent graduates (after 2020) exhibited significantly lower levels of gratification and higher psychological distress. Service-area professionals reported lower emotional exhaustion, but also lower gratification compared to surgical specialties. Notably, otorhinolaryngology showed both the highest burnout risk and the highest gratification scores. Conclusions: Burnout is alarmingly prevalent among Italian medical doctors, and there is significant variation across sexes, graduation cohorts, and medical specialties. Despite the high burnout levels identified, the cross-sectional design and non-probability sampling necessitate a cautious interpretation of these findings. Future longitudinal research involving larger, more representative cohorts is essential to validate these results and inform targeted institutional interventions.