Predisposition to Burnout Syndrome in prison officers

DOI: 10.15343/0104-7809.20194302530541

Abstract

The aim of this study was to verify the predisposition of Penitentiary Security Agents (PSA) to develop Burnout Syndrome (BS). This study was carried out in 2017 at the Judge Flósculo da Nóbrega Prison in the city of João Pessoa/PB, using a cross-sectional approach, with a non-probabilistic sample, including 47 PSAs. The applied questionnaire was elaborated and adapted by Chafic Jbeili, inspired by the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), which measures the BS level. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The Fisher exact test was applied, considering p<0.05. The majority of PSAs were male (80.9%, n = 38), aged 31-40 years, with a mean age of 39.36±8.74 years. Regarding the predisposition for developing BS, all agents were classified beginning from level II BS, with 44.7% being at level III, that is, in the initial phase of development of the disorder. Regarding the association between BS and gender, no statistically significant relationship was found (p>0.05). The data indicate a high predisposition to BS development. This study does not diagnose BS, but allows for the early identification of the problem, supporting programmed actions for the well-being of the PSA, aiming at improving the quality of life of these workers.