Stressors, burnout and sense of coherence in eThekwini paramedics : an exploratory study.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the relationships between Sense of Coherence and Burnout (i.e. Emotional Exhaustion, Depersonalisation and Personal Accomplishment) and to investigate job-related stressors and support resources in a sample of privately employed eThekwini paramedics. A survey design was used and a convenience sample (N=56) was taken from one emergency care organisation. Biographical variables and qualitative information regarding stressors and support systems were obtained and two inventories, the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey and the Orientation to Life Questionnaire, were administered. Results showed a predominance of informal support systems and individual case-related stressors. There were relationships between Sense of Coherence and Burnout and a significant difference in Personal Accomplishment in the 36-40 age group was found. Regression results indicated that Depersonalisation and Sense of Coherence predicted Emotional Exhaustion and Emotional Exhaustion demonstrated a main effect on Depersonalisation. Sense of Coherence was the only variable that predicted Personal Accomplishment in the current sample of paramedies.