Objective: To determine the factors associated with burnout syndrome
(BS) due to exhaustion in medical students enrolled in basic, preclinical,
and clinical courses at the University of Panama and Universidad Latina
medical schools.
Methodology: The relevant data for the cases and controls in this study
were obtained through a survey, which was answered anonymously and
virtually by medical students at the University of Panama and
Universidad Latina.
Results: A total of 210 responses were obtained from the anonymous
survey, 52 positive (case group) and 158 negatives (control group) for Burnout Syndrome, and only the first 52 controls were selected, for a total of 104 medical students. Among
the most prominent risk factors in students with Burnout Syndrome, 84.62% had failed exams, 90.38% had
considered dropping out of the course, and 94% were studying at a public university.
Conclusion: The onset of Burnout Syndrome in medical students was associated with failing exams, few
hours of weekly exercise, weekly study hours, and type of university, with the most relevant association
being considering dropping out of the course. Further studies are needed to evaluate and consider the
hours of sleep that lead to burnout.
