Relationship between Burnout and Emotional Intelligence among Healthcare Workers in Kenyatta National Hospital in Kenya

Abstract:

Burnout refers to extreme exhaustion, depersonalization and diminished accomplishment. Burnout can cause clinical symptoms like hypertension, neurocognitive changes on the brain, and can affect relationship hence undermine client care. Emotional intelligence on the other hand, creates personal and social awareness, and improves relationships. The self-administered questionnaire containing Maslach Burnout Inventory and emotional intelligence self-assessment tool was disseminated among the healthcare workers via Google form link (https://forms.gle/Xbs9u1FYynyhCsvY7). Complete enumeration was used. From the findings on the 120 responses received (76 females, 44 males), it was established that most healthcare workers did not engage in alcohol and substances abuse, a few used occasionally on weekly or daily basis. More than half had experienced burnout depicted by respondents reporting moderate and high on emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. There was high emotional intelligence with 74% having high self-awareness and 73% high social relationship management. There was positive association between age and self-awareness (p=0.040). A significant positive relationship between self-management competencies with personal accomplishment (r=0.306, p