Burnout Syndrome and Its Relationship to Working Schedule: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Oilfield Workers in the Ecuadorian Amazon Region

Burnout syndrome is a global issue characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment related to work. While this problem is prevalent in all professions, there is limited research on the oil industry. This study aimed to determine the relationship between work schedule and the prevalence of Burnout among workers in an oilfield services company in the Ecuadorian Amazon region during March 2023. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional design, analyzing data from 120 workers. Epidemiological data were obtained using an adaptation of the Survey of Working Conditions and Health in Latin America and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) questionnaire. Results showed a 79.2% prevalence of Burnout in the surveyed workers. Besides, a work schedule of 21 successive working days and seven days off was a risk factor for reduced personal accomplishment and burnout symptoms. Moreover, a work schedule of 14 continuous workdays and seven days off was a protective factor against emotional exhaustion compared to an office-based schedule. These findings demonstrate a clear association between work schedules and the prevalence of Burnout, emotional exhaustion, and reduced personal accomplishment, emphasizing the importance of considering this variable in preventing Burnout among workers in the oilfield industry.