Prevalencia del burnout académico en estudiantes de medicina y su implicancia para la creación de un centro de apoyo psicológico

Abstract

Academic burnout is an increasing concern among students in highly demanding programs such as Medicine, as it negatively affects their emotional well-being and academic performance. This study aimed to assess burnout levels among students at the Universidad Nacional del Oriente (UNO) in Bolivia and to provide an evidence-based rationale for establishing a Psychological Support Center. A quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional design was employed, using the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Student Survey (MBI-SS) administered to a randomly selected sample of 165 students. Results showed that 80% of participants experienced high emotional exhaustion, 20% reported high cynicism, and only 14.5% maintained high academic efficacy. These findings indicate substantial psychological strain consistent with Maslach and Jackson’s theoretical framework. The study concludes that establishing a Psychological Support Center offering counseling, stress management workshops, and peer support groups is essential to prevent burnout, reduce academic dropout, and promote a healthier educational environment.