A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Nurses’ Burnout and Its Predictors During COVID-19 in Sub-Saharan Africa

Aim: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of burnout and its predictors among nurses in Sub-Saharan Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic search of literature published from January 1, 2020, to December 30, 2023, was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. Studies measuring burnout and its associated factors among nurses were included. A total of 23 studies were analyzed to estimate the pooled prevalence of burnout using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses by region and study participants were performed, and predictors of burnout were assessed. Results: The overall prevalence of burnout among nurses in Sub-Saharan Africa during COVID-19 was 33% (95% CI: 25-40%). Subgroup analysis revealed varying prevalence rates by region, with East Africa at 41% (95% CI: 32-50%), South Africa at 38% (95% CI: 31-46%), and West Africa at 23% (95% CI: 11-36%). Nurses and nursing students had the highest burnout levels at 35% (95% CI: 22-48% and 95% CI: 26-44%, respectively), while general healthcare workers were at 33% (95% CI: 22-44%). Predictors of burnout included being male (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.19-1.21), married (OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.45-1.47), receiving social support (OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.24-1.26), facing a high workload (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.25-1.27), working night shifts (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.22-1.24), using personal protective equipment (PPE) (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.34-1.42), and having low working experience (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.28-1.31). Conclusion: This review highlights a substantial burden of burnout among nurses in Sub-Saharan Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic, with varying prevalence rates across regions. Factors such as demographics, workload, and protective equipment use were identified as significant predictors of burnout. Targeted interventions, including mental health support programs and workload management, are crucial to mitigate burnout and ensure the well-being of healthcare professionals in the region.