Association Between Morning Serum Cortisol and Burnout Syndrome in Healthcare Workers in Boyacá, Colombia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The present study evaluated the association between morning serum cortisol levels and burnout syndrome among healthcare workers in the department of Boyacá, Colombia. An observational, analytical, cross-sectional, and quantitative study was conducted on 69 employees. Total serum cortisol was measured via chemiluminescence in fasting morning samples (reference: 110-692 nmol/L). Burnout was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS). A total of 96.6% of participants fell within the normal range for serum cortisol. MBI-GS dimensions reported mean scores of: exhaustion 1.54 ± 1.17, cynicism 0.93 ± 0.89, and professional efficacy 5.60 ± 0.60. High exhaustion prevalence was 16.9%, high cynicism 6.8%, and low efficacy 3.4%. Profile classification showed 67.8% "engaged," 13.6% "overextended/worn-out," and 5.1% with "burnout." No significant association was found between cortisol and burnout dimensions: exhaustion (r = 0.069, p = 0.605), cynicism (r = -0.135, p = 0.309), and professional efficacy (r = 0.044, p = 0.742). Mean cortisol comparisons between high and low dimension groups showed no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). The study documented a low prevalence of established burnout and an absence of significant association between morning serum cortisol and MBI-GS dimensions, suggesting a relatively healthy work environment; however, the prevalence of high emotional exhaustion warrants preventive interventions. Multilevel organizational strategies like workload management, job stability, role clarity, and psychosocial support are recommended for worker mental health protection.