Saudi Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SJMPS)
Volume-12 | Issue-07 | 449-465
Original Research Article
Systematic Review of Prevalence, Causes, and Risk Factors of Burnout among Healthcare Providers in Saudi Arabia
Ibrahim F. Alruqi, Fahad Q. Alharbi, Ahmed A. A. Alhashim, Khallad T. A. Alsahlawi, Mohammed K. Aljumaiah, Fatemah M. Almulhim, Abdullatif W. Alarfaj, Hessa S. AlMoaibed, Abdullah Abdulaziz A. Abdulqader, Nouf M. Alsulaiman, Alhanouf A. Alqernas
Published : July 13, 2026
Abstract
Background: Burnout has emerged as a critical occupational health crisis among healthcare professionals worldwide, with potentially severe consequences for patient safety, quality of care, and healthcare system sustainability. In Saudi Arabia, rapid healthcare expansion under Vision 2030 has created unprecedented workforce demands, yet the true burden of burnout across the healthcare workforce remains incompletely characterized. Objective: This systematic review aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the prevalence, causes, and risk factors of burnout among healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Saudi Digital Library for studies published between 2023 and 2026. Studies were included if they employed quantitative or mixed-methods designs, assessed burnout using validated instruments, and focused on licensed healthcare professionals practicing in Saudi Arabia. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. Due to substantial heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis approach was adopted. Results: Twenty-four cross-sectional studies comprising diverse healthcare professional groups were included. Alarmingly high burnout prevalence rates were documented, ranging from 56% among postgraduate trainees to 86% among emergency physicians, with community pharmacists reporting 83.6% personal burnout and respiratory therapists demonstrating 98% depersonalization rates. Consistently identified risk factors included prolonged working hours (>36-40 hours/week), night shifts, younger age, female gender, workplace harassment (aOR 1.57), discrimination (aOR 1.60), sales pressure among pharmacists (β=0.312), anxiety (OR 5.784), and low self-efficacy (OR 6.625). Protective factors included resilience (β=0.73), emotional intelligence (r=-0.41 to -0.33), job satisfaction, and supportive work environments. Most studies were rated as moderate (n=12) or low (n=8) risk of bias, with four studies rated as high risk. Conclusion: Burnout represents a significant and potentially escalating public health crisis among Saudi Arabian healthcare providers, with prevalence rates substantially exceeding global averages. Urgent multilevel interventions addressing both individual resilience and organizational reform are essential to protect healthcare worker well-being, ensure patient safety, and achieve the healthcare transformation goals of Saudi Vision 2030.