Burnout and Its Association with Musculoskeletal Pain in Novice Physiotherapists of Twin Cities of Pakistan: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Approach

Abstract

Background: Burnout is a psychological syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment, often arising in healthcare professions with high demands and limited resources. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most common occupational health concerns in physiotherapists due to repetitive tasks and physically demanding work. The intersection of burnout and MSDs in novice physiotherapists, especially in low- and middle-income settings, remains underexplored. Objective: To determine the prevalence of burnout and its association with musculoskeletal pain among novice physiotherapists in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between April and October 2024 among 246 physiotherapists with less than three years of experience. Participants were recruited via convenience sampling. Burnout was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory, while musculoskeletal pain was evaluated with the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26, applying chi-square tests and logistic regression with adjustment for demographic covariates. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Musculoskeletal pain was reported by 208 participants (84.6%), most commonly in the neck (62.6%), shoulders (59.3%), and lower back (54.9%). High emotional exhaustion was significantly associated with pain (100% vs. 80.5%, p = 0.006, Cramer’s V = 0.22), as was high depersonalization (87.1% vs. 75.9%, p = 0.010, Cramer’s V = 0.19). No association was observed for personal accomplishment (p = 0.499). Conclusion: Burnout, particularly in the domains of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, is strongly associated with musculoskeletal pain among novice physiotherapists. Early interventions addressing both psychological resilience and ergonomic safety are warranted to protect practitioner well-being and sustain quality care.