PREVALENCE OF BURNOUT AND MENTAL HEALTH SYMPTOMS AMONG BIOMEDICAL PHD CANDIDATES DURING THESIS STAGES
Keywords:
Anxiety, Burnout, Depression, Doctoral Students, Mental Health, Mentors, PrevalenceAbstract
Background: Doctoral education in biomedical sciences is a prolonged and demanding process that frequently places candidates at risk of psychological strain. Burnout, anxiety, and depressive symptoms have been consistently reported at higher rates in PhD populations compared with the general population, yet limited evidence exists from South Asian academic environments.
Objective: The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of burnout, anxiety, and depressive symptoms among biomedical PhD candidates in Lahore and to identify academic, supervisory, and workload-related predictors of these outcomes.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over four months among 358 enrolled biomedical PhD candidates. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that included sociodemographic variables, academic characteristics, and validated psychometric instruments: the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Student Survey (MBI-SS), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Descriptive statistics were used to estimate prevalence, while logistic regression models identified independent predictors, with results expressed as adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals.
Results: Burnout prevalence was 41.1%, with emotional exhaustion in 46.6%, cynicism in 39.4%, and reduced academic efficacy in 28.5%. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were present in 32.4% and 29.1% of candidates, respectively. High workload (>50 hours/week) significantly increased the risk of burnout (AOR 2.34, 95% CI: 1.47–3.71), anxiety (AOR 1.96, 95% CI: 1.15–3.35), and depression (AOR 2.18, 95% CI: 1.23–3.87). Low supervisory support was an independent predictor of burnout (AOR 2.81, 95% CI: 1.72–4.60) and depression (AOR 2.37, 95% CI: 1.34–4.20). Burnout was highest during the data collection stage (49.6%).
Conclusion: The study revealed a substantial mental health burden among biomedical PhD candidates, strongly influenced by workload intensity and supervisory support. These findings highlight the urgent need for institutional reforms to reduce excessive academic pressure and strengthen supportive mentorship structures.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Shabahat Arain (Author)
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