[Prevalence of Burnout syndrome among anesthesiologists in Mexicali]

To determine the prevalence of Burnout syndrome among anesthesiologists in Mexicali, Mexico.We carried out a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Burnout syndrome was measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS). We administered the inventory to 92 anesthesiologists between October 2001 and February 2002. Statistical analysis included Chi square tests for categorical variables.89 questionnaires were returned, 22 females and 67 males. Burnout prevalence was 44% divided as follows: 17% reported high emotional exhaustion, 12.3% reported symptoms compatible with depersonalization, and 10% experienced a sense of low personal accomplishment.Our study differs slightly from the literature, although this may be attributed to the medical specialty we chose to survey. We suggest similar studies be carried out in other cities in Mexico to be able to have comparison groups.