Abstract

Healthcare workers globally and in Nigeria in particular, are confronted with a high level of stress, burnout and reduced work-life balance, thereby negatively affecting their psychological health and reducing their care for patients.  Therefore, this paper investigates the impact of burnout and work-life balance on the psychological health of healthcare workers at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Nigeria. The study employed a descriptive research design. The participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. They included 205 (F = 92, M= 113: mean age =30.22) healthcare workers at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital. Three scales were used for the study, which include the Maslach Burnout Inventory, Work-Life Balance Scale and General Health Questionnaire. Data were analysed using percentages, correlation and multiple regression. The result indicates a significant relationship between burnout and the psychological health of healthcare workers (r = 0.505, p< 0.05). Work-life balance is significantly related to the psychological health of healthcare workers (r = 0.418, p< 0.05). Furthermore, the results showed that Burnout {β = -0.405, t-value = 6.421, p-values < 0.05} and Work-Life Balance (β = -0.263, t-value =4.179, p-values > 0.05) indicate a significant joint influence of burnout and work-life balance on the psychological health of healthcare workers. The study concluded that burnout and work-life balance both significantly impact the psychological health of healthcare workers at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu. Moreover, the combined effect of burnout and work-life balance further influences their psychological well-being, indicating that managing these factors is crucial for improving mental health outcomes. Based on the findings, the study recommended the introduction of flexible working hours, job-sharing options, and opportunities for remote work where possible.

Keywords: Burnout, Work-Life Balance, Psychological Health, Healthcare Workers, Nigeria