The prognosis of burnout and prolonged fatigue in the working population: a comparison.

摘要

OBJECTIVE:: To assess and compare prognostic factors for recovery in burnout and prolonged fatigue. METHOD:: Baseline, 12-, 24-, and 48-month follow-up data from the Maastricht Cohort Study were used. Prolonged fatigue or burnout cases or both at baseline (n = 2356) were divided into three subgroups: "pure fatigue," "pure burnout," and "burnout & fatigue". Using logistic generalized estimating equation analysis, baseline predictors of recovery, including (mental) health, work, and demographic factors, were determined. RESULTS:: Selection variables predicted recovery across the subgroups. Health factors predicted recovery in the pure fatigue and burnout & fatigue subgroups. Differences in work factors emerged between the subgroups. Work factors especially predicted recovery in the pure burnout group. CONCLUSION:: Differences emerged with respect to work and health factors which suggest the importance of differentiating between burnout and prolonged fatigue. This could provide valuable leads for intervention possibilities.