Maternal Burnout: Prevalence and Associated Factors in Northern Benin (2023)

Abstract

Introduction: Also known as maternal burnout syndrome, maternal burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion generated by pro longed stress in the family environment. It is experienced by women in their role as mothers. Those affected can develop psychological disorders, sleep disturbances, etc., all of which impair their day-to-day lives, and thus their maternal role. The repercussions affect both the child and other family mem bers. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate maternal burnout among female users of public and private health facilities in the commune of Parakou in 2023. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2022 to July 2023 among all mothers using public and private health facilities in the commune of Parakou. All healthy mothers with at least one biological or adoptive child fully dependent on them and living at home, who came for a consultation in one of the health fa cilities or for an appointment at the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) and gave their free and informed consent. Sampling was done for non-exhaustive convenience were included in the study. Burnout was as sessed using the Parental Burnout Assessment (PBA) scale. Results: A total of 888 mothers meeting the inclusion criteria were surveyed. The prevalence of burnout calculated using the Parental Burnout Assessment (PBA) scale was 6.19%. The risk factors for maternal burnout were poor relationships with family and friends (OR = 8.90; p = 0.045), moderate (OR = 11.71; p = 0.020) and severe depression (OR = 40.85; p = 0.001), followed by the presence of repeated nocturnal awakening (OR = 5.14; p = 0.014). Conclusion: This is a subject that is almost never discussed in African society, but whose reality is revealed by the present study, which provided statistical data on maternal burnout. From now on, the risk of burnout will no longer be discussed solely in the family context. It will also need to be explored within the family unit to prevent its deleterious consequences for children and adults alike.