COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF EMOTIONAL BURNOUT MANIFESTATIONS AMONG UKRAINIAN AND BRITISH HEALTHCARE WORKERS

Abstract

Introduction. The article is devoted to comparing the level and manifestations of burnout syndrome among Ukrainian and British healthcare workers, taking into account the impact of martial law in Ukraine. Respondents from Ukraine study at Kharkiv National Medical University and work in city hospitals. Respondents from the United Kingdom were surveyed during an internship at Nottingham Trent University in the summer of 2025. The study was conducted to determine how the lack of basic security in Ukraine and the fulfillment of extended professional competencies affect psycho-emotional exhaustion and the work itself. The research survey completed by respondents from both countries included the main diverse factors that complicate the level of stress overload in medical professionals and may lead to a number of other negative effects on their personal life, quality of professional duties, and well-being.

The aim of the study – to compare the level and manifestations of burnout syndrome among Ukrainian and British healthcare workers, taking into account the impact of martial law in Ukraine.

The main part. The study examined the dynamics of burnout development, its symptomatology, risk factors, and methods of prevention. The research subjects included practicing medical professionals of Kharkiv National Medical University and Nottingham Trent University, as well as students of both universities (the study involved a survey conducted via Google Forms, analysis of the collected data, and a comparative evaluation between the two samples). Current scientific evidence indicates that burnout among healthcare workers develops as a result of chronic occupational stress, excessive workload, lack of resources, and prolonged work under conditions of increased responsibility. Today, this is an extremely relevant issue, and the importance of recognizing the symptoms of burnout is key to preventing excessive stress impact and alerting individuals that it is time to pay attention to themselves and address their mental health. The obtained results have further implications for the development of psychological protection measures for healthcare workers and the improvement of working conditions.

Conclusions. The results showed that Ukrainian healthcare workers experience symptoms of emotional and physical exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced professional efficacy significantly more often. The main factors contributing to burnout include excessive workload, psychological pressure, lack of resources, and limited support from colleagues and management. The British sample demonstrates a lower level of burnout, which can be explained by a well-organized support system, regulated workload, and access to resources.