The aim of the study is to analyse the association between psychosocial stress at work and burnout among clinicians in surgery in Germany. For the conceptualisation of work stress the demand-control model (job strain) and the effort-reward imbalance model (ERI) were used. Based on a stratified probability sample a mail survey of 1 311 clinicians from 489 hospitals was conducted. Burnout was measured by the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. Results of logistic regressions show that both models are significantly associated with burnout (odds ratio job strain: 6.53 (95% confidence interval 4.50-9.46), odds ratio ERI: 5.39 (95% confidence interval 3.94-7.36). Clinicians who are exposed to both, job strain and ERI, have an additionally increased risk. The demand-control model and the effort-reward imbalance model suggest theory-driven interventions for job related health promotion measures which aim for improved working conditions and a decrease of health risks among clinicians in surgery.
