Prevalence of burnout syndrome and associated factors among nurses in Mogadishu, Somalia: a multicenter cross-sectional study

Abstract

Burnout is a major occupational health concern among nurses, with important implications for workforce well-being, quality of care, and patient safety. However, evidence on its prevalence and associated factors among nurses in Somalia remains limited. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of burnout syndrome and identify associated factors among nurses in Mogadishu, Somalia. A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted between 1 January and 28 February 2026 across five hospitals in Mogadishu. A total of 292 nurses completed an online self-administered questionnaire. Burnout was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) and defined as high emotional exhaustion (≥27), high depersonalization (≥13), and low personal accomplishment (≤31). Associations with sociodemographic, occupational, and psychosocial factors were examined using logistic regression. Results are presented as adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), with statistical significance set at p  < 0.05. A total of 292 nurses participated, of whom 18.2% (95% CI: 13.9–23.1) met the study definition of burnout. In the sociodemographic/occupational model, burnout was associated with mixed shift schedules, longer service duration, chronic illness, and high workload, with the strongest association observed among nurses with >10 years of service (AOR = 3.63, 95% CI: 1.40–9.40). In the psychosocial model, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, poor sleep quality, and job dissatisfaction were associated with burnout, with depressive symptoms showing the strongest association (AOR = 5.85, 95% CI: 2.61–13.14). Nearly one in five nurses met the study definition of burnout, with several occupational, psychological, and health-related factors associated with burnout. These findings may inform workplace strategies to support nurses’ well-being, while longitudinal studies are needed to clarify temporal relationships.