Prevalence and associated factors of burnout among nursing students: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives: To systematically estimate the global prevalence of burnout among nursing students, and examine the associated factors of burnout in this population.

Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Review methods and data sources: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CINAHL were searched from inception to June 30th, 2022. Two researchers independently screened studies, extracted data and assessed the quality of included studies. The random-effects model was used to estimate the global prevalence of burnout among nursing students. Subgroup analysis, meta-regression analysis, publication bias, and sensitivity analysis were also conducted.

Results: A total of 21 studies were included, involving 10,861 nursing students. In the random-effects model, the pooled prevalence of burnout was 23.0 % (95 % CI = 15.6-30.5 %) in nursing students. The pooled prevalence of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment was 47.1 %, 32.2 %, and 43.5 %, respectively. Main associated factors of burnout included demographic (e.g., age and grade), educational (e.g., workload, academic satisfaction, and incivility experience), physical (e.g., sleep quality and physical activity), and psychological (e.g., self-efficacy and personality traits) factors.

Conclusions: Burnout is common in nursing students, with demographic, educational, physical, and psychological factors affecting their burnout. Early screening of burnout and interventions to prevent and reduce burnout should be considered for nursing students.