Association between Burnout and Emotional Intelligence among Medical Students Enrolled in An Integrated Modular Curriculum

Abstract

• Background: Medical student burnout is critical. Emotional intelligence inversely correlates with protecting against it. This study explores their link in integrated modular curricula.

  Objectives: To compare burnout prevalence and emotional intelligence correlation among medical students at Rawalpindi Medical University and Shifa College of Medicine in an integrated modular curriculum.

  Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Rawalpindi Medical University and Shifa College of Medicine, involving 350 medical students enrolled in an integrated modular curriculum. Participants completed self-administered questionnaires assessing burnout (using BCSQ12SS) and emotional intelligence (using BEIS-10). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and correlation analyses to determine the relationship between burnout, emotional intelligence, and demographic variables. Non-parametric tests were used due to deviations from normality. Multiple linear regression was employed to assess the variance in emotional intelligence scores explained by burnout and other factors.

  Results: The study revealed moderate levels of emotional intelligence (mean BEIS-10 score of 36.35) and varying levels of burnout subtypes, with the Overload dimension showing a mean score of 16.85. A significant positive correlation was found between burnout (BCSQ) and emotional intelligence (BEIS-10). Sleep deprivation and low physical activity were associated with higher burnout scores. Specifically, a weak positive correlation existed between BEIS-10 scores and Frenetic type of burnout (r= 0.227, p < 0.001) & Lack of Development type of burnout (r=0.179, p<0.001).

  Conclusion: The study found a notable prevalence of the "frenetic" Overload subtype of burnout, even with moderate-to-high emotional intelligence, which showed no significant differences across institutions or demographic groups. Targeted interventions like skills training and support systems are needed for student well-being.

  Keywords: Burnout, Medical Students, Emotional Intelligence, Mental Health