Burnout Syndrome and coping mechanisms among Prison Officers at Nsawam Medium Security Prison, Eastern Region, Ghana

Workplace burnout negatively affects employees productivity, organizational effectiveness, social stability, and personal health and performance. Burnout is a syndrome comprising emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and loss of personal accomplishment. In Ghana, there are several studies on job-related burnout among health workers but very little on this syndrome in different professional groups like prison officers. Thus, this study assessed burnout syndrome, associated factors, and coping strategies among Prison Officers at Nsawam Medium Security Prison. This was a cross-sectional study involving 266 prison officers from the Nsawam Medium Security Prison. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from participants. Data was collected on sociodemographic characteristics, workplace environment, coping strategies, and burnout. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services scale was adopted for this study. The data was analysed using STATA 16. Descriptive Statistical methods were used to summarize socio-demographic characteristics of participants. Bivariable analysis using Pearsons Chi Square was used to determine the association between demographic and work-related factors and burnout. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with burnout at 95% significance level. The prevalence of burnout was 9%. The main causes of burnout perceived by POs were irregular shifts (71.6%), heavy workload (49.0%) and lack of training and opportunities for development (47.7%). Male prison officers had 69% reduction in the odds of burnout compared to their female counterparts (AOR: 0.31; 95% CI= 0.13-0.75, p=0.009). Also, prison officers with diploma/certificate had 89% reduction in odds to burnout compared to those with postgraduate degrees (AOR: 0.11; 95% CI= 0.02-0.69, p=0.019). Talking to colleagues (62.5%), looking forward to off duty (60.1%), talking to family (54.3%), and keeping thoughts and feelings to oneself (42.1%) were the dominant coping strategies. Overall, the prevalence of burnout among prison officers in this study was low. Heavy workloads, erratic shift schedules, and a lack of training and career development chances contribute to prison officers burnout. Additionally, shift allocations need to be changed to lessen officer burnout.