Workplace Burnout Among Mental Health Professionals: Implications for Strategic Leadership Style Interventions in Nigeria’s Hospitals
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/jmhwb.v1i1.6503Keywords:
Clinical Performance, Leadership Interventions, mental health professionals, Workplace Burnout, Workforce RetentionAbstract
Workplace burnout among mental health professionals in Nigeria’s federal hospitals poses a critical threat to clinical performance and patient care quality, exacerbated by the ‘japa syndrome’, the mass emigration of skilled workers seeking better conditions abroad. This study investigated the effects of burnout and the efficacy of strategic leadership interventions in mitigating the challenges. A cross-sectional survey of 270 mental health professionals from the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital and Federal Medical Centre Abuja, selected through systematic sampling. Data was collected using structured questionnaires on a 5-point Likert scale (Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree), burnout and effects were analyzed with mean scores (M≥3.50 indicating agreement), and logistic regression analysis (p<0.05). Respondents were predominantly male (66.7%), aged 35-40 years (57.8%), and had 5-10 years of work experience (66.3%). Frequent diagnostic or treatment errors, lowered patient care effectiveness, less ability to concentrate, reduced empathy, and reduction in productivity and efficiency predicted burnout (p<0.001). Burnout impaired the quality of healthcare delivered to patients through medical errors (M=4.25), weakened teamwork (M=3.95), increased dissatisfaction (M=3.86), reduced communication (M=3.79), and increased delays (M=3.70). Participatory and transformational leadership significantly enhanced morale and motivation, while government interventions like enhanced remuneration, foreign collaborations, and strong mental health programmes would significantly reduce burnout-related emigration. Strategic interventions, including transformational leadership, fair pay, infrastructure upgrades, and training, are vital to alleviate burnout, retain talent, and improve Nigeria’s mental health system. Integrated stakeholder efforts are recommended for sustainable service delivery.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Yakubu Joel Cherima, Ugo Uwadiako Enebeli, Uchenna Stephen Nwokenna, Rejoice Kaka Hassan, Agwu Nkwa Amadi, Eziyi Iche Kalu, Faith Adamma Kalu, Perfection Chinyere Igwe, Justin Junior Kalu, Beauty Olamma Kalu
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