[Burnout syndrome in elderly care takers working in social care homes].

Objective: To identify the presence and characteristics of Burnout syndrome in subjects dedicated to the care of older adults in homes for seniors.

Material And Methods: A descriptive study was done, 46 workers of 10 homes in Mérida, Yucatán, were included. Subjects older than 18 years and who have direct interaction with adults were included. To evaluate the presence of Burnout syndrome the Spanish version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory was used.

Results: Sixty-five percent of the population studied was female and 35% male, the average age was 38 years, with a range of 19-60 years. 87% of the studied population had some level of Burnout syndrome. In 60% of homes all the workers were affected. Regard gender 90% of the women has some grade of Burnout syndrome and 81% of males. Respect areas affected, 30% had emotional exhaustion, 46% depersonalization and 95% lack of realization. According the number of affected areas 45% were affected in one area, 30% in two and 25% in three, the latter representing 22% of the study population.

Conclusions: There is a high frequency of Burnout syndrome among subjects who are dedicated to caring for the elderly. Personal accomplishment was the most affected area. Subjects with lowest salary present higher frequency of Burnout syndrome.