Occupational Burnout and Depressive Symptoms among Resident Physicians at Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital in the Early Post-COVID-19 Period: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Resident physicians may experience persistent occupational and psychological strain during the early post-COVID-19 period. Burnout and depressive symptoms can overlap, but they represent different aspects of psychological burden and should be assessed using standardized instruments. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of occupational burnout and SDS-defined depressive symptoms among resident physicians undergoing standardized residency training at Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital and to examine the association between burnout scores and depressive-symptom severity. Methods: This single-center cross-sectional anonymous questionnaire study was conducted at Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China, from January to June 2023. A total of 132 eligible resident physicians were invited through hospital residency-training coordination, and all 132 returned questionnaires (response rate, 100.0%). Occupational burnout was assessed using a Chinese burnout questionnaire structured around the MBI-GS dimensions, and depressive symptoms were assessed using the validated Chinese Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Prevalence estimates were reported with Wilson 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Pearson correlation and multivariable linear regression were used to examine the association between burnout score and SDS standard score. Results: Overall, 102/132 (77.3%; 95% CI, 69.4 to 83.6) residents met the predefined burnout criterion. In complete valid SDS responses, 81/124 (65.3%; 95% CI, 56.6 to 73.1) residents had SDS-defined depressive symptoms. Cronbach's alpha was 0.887 for the burnout questionnaire and 0.861 for the SDS. Burnout score was positively correlated with SDS standard score (n = 124; r = 0.64, 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.73; p < 0.001). In multivariable linear regression, burnout score remained positively associated with SDS standard score after adjustment for sex, age group, training duration, and grouped specialty (adjusted beta = 0.35, 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.44; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Occupational burnout and SDS-defined depressive symptoms were common among resident physicians at Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital in the early post-COVID-19 period. The findings suggest that routine screening, workload management, mentorship, and accessible psychological support may be useful for residents at risk. Because this was a cross-sectional study, causality cannot be inferred.