Burnout prevalence in 2012, 2018 and 2024 among general practitioners in Norway and factors associated with burnout

Key findings from this study

• The study found that burnout prevalence among Norwegian GPs increased substantially from 2012 to 2024.
• The authors report that work-related stress, reduced job satisfaction, and sickness presenteeism associated independently with burnout symptoms.
• The researchers demonstrate that modifiable workplace factors represent intervention targets for sustaining practitioner well-being.

Overview

Burnout prevalence among Norwegian general practitioners increased substantially between 2012 and 2024. The study assessed temporal trends across three time points and identified associations between burnout and multiple workplace factors. Work-related stress, job satisfaction, and sickness presenteeism emerged as key modifiable factors linked to burnout symptoms.

Methods and approach

The research design employed repeated cross-sectional assessments in 2012, 2018, and 2024 to track burnout prevalence over twelve years. Data collection methods and sample characteristics varied across the three survey waves to capture changing practitioner demographics. Statistical analysis examined associations between burnout outcomes and measured workplace exposures.

Results

Burnout prevalence demonstrated a marked upward trajectory from 2012 through 2024 among Norwegian GPs. Work-related stress consistently correlated with elevated burnout risk across all survey periods. Reduced job satisfaction and increased sickness presenteeism independently associated with burnout symptoms. The magnitude of these associations persisted despite temporal variation in absolute burnout rates.

Implications

The sustained increase in burnout prevalence signals deteriorating conditions in primary care practice environments. Intervention strategies targeting modifiable factors—particularly stress reduction, job satisfaction enhancement, and reducing presenteeism—warrant priority implementation. Healthcare system leadership must address structural workplace factors driving these trends to preserve physician well-being.

Scope and limitations

This summary is based on the study abstract and available metadata. It does not include a full analysis of the complete paper, supplementary materials, or underlying datasets unless explicitly stated. Findings should be interpreted in the context of the original publication.