Burnout and Self-Compassion among Veterinarians: Examining Occupational Stress in the Province of Las Palmas

Abstract

Objectives The study aimed primarily to assess burnout syndrome in veterinarians from the province of Las Palmas using Spanish validated scales in. Additionally, it sought to understand participants' mental health status, potential use of benzodiazepines and gather relevant demographic data to observe significant changes among different variables. Methods: The study utilized validated scales for assessing burnout and self-compassion, that were chosen based on criteria of validation in Spanish. The burnout scale comprised 15 questions, while the self-compassion scale consisted of 12 questions. Additionally, mental health status questions and demographic inquiries were included. Data collection period occurred from October 17 to December 15, 2023, acquiring 141 responses from the College of Veterinarians (Las Palmas). Results: Demographic factors are crucial in understanding burnout risk since significant differences in exhaustion and cynicism were found based on it. This was the case of graduation year (age showed a negative association with cynicism and a positive association with work efficacy), work environment (rural practitioners had lower odds of exhaustion respect of the urban ones) and also, gender disparities (female gender trended towards higher exhaustion). Conclusion: The study revealed high levels of exhaustion and cynicism. Correlations between burnout and self-compassion were noted, underscoring the need for timely intervention to improve veterinarians' well-being.