CRISIS VS CALM? BURNOUT AND AGGRESSION IN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS COMPARED TO OTHER SPECIALTIES- A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF BURNOUT AND AGGRESSION IN TERTIARY HOSPITALS, KARACHI

Abstract

Background: Burnout and workplace aggression are increasingly recognized as major occupational challenges among healthcare professionals, particularly in high-pressure environments such as emergency departments. These factors negatively influence mental well-being, job satisfaction, and patient care quality.

Objective: To determine and compare the prevalence of burnout and aggression among healthcare professionals working in Emergency Departments and other medical subspecialties in tertiary care hospitals.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 376 doctors and nurses from Emergency Departments and other subspecialties in tertiary care hospitals in Karachi. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire including demographic details, the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS), and the Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, and a p-value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Burnout prevalence was significantly higher among Emergency Department staff compared with other specialties. High emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment were commonly reported. Aggression levels were also higher among emergency healthcare workers, with verbal aggression being the most frequent. A significant association was observed between aggression and burnout, and factors such as working in Emergency Departments, limited professional experience, female gender, and exposure to workplace violence emerged as key predictors.

Conclusion: Burnout and workplace aggression are strongly interrelated and more pronounced among Emergency Department professionals. Institutional interventions focusing on violence prevention, mental health support, and workload management are essential to improve healthcare workforce well-being and patient care outcomes.