Prevalence of burnout, poor sleep quality and quality of life amongst medical and surgical residents in a tertiary care institute in Puducherry

Background: Burnout and sleep deprivation are increasingly recognized among resident doctors in India, with implications for their well-being and the quality of care they provide. Understanding the magnitude of these issues and their determinants is essential for institutional action. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of burnout and poor sleep quality among postgraduate medical residents and to examine the associations with socio-demographic and bio-behavioral factors. Quality of life was evaluated as a secondary objective. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at JIPMER, Puducherry, among residents enrolled in MD, MS, DM, MCh, and integrated six-year postgraduate programs. After obtaining informed consent, data were collected via structured interviews using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Perceived Stress Scale, and WHO-QOL-BREF. Associations were examined using univariate and multivariable logistic regression. Results: A total of 162 residents were randomly sampled. Burnout in at least one domain was present in 56.7% of residents, and 29% experienced burnout in two domains. Poor sleep quality was reported by 51.8%, and 84% had moderate to severe perceived stress. Female residents had higher odds of burnout (aOR=4.61). Poor sleep quality (aOR=3.14) and lower QoL scores were strongly associated with burnout, while third-year residents had 0.15 odds compared to first-years. Severe stress and poor sleep were also significantly associated with poorer QoL. Conclusions: Burnout, poor sleep quality, and elevated stress levels are highly prevalent among residents. Addressing workloads, sleep hygiene, stress-management support, and institutional welfare mechanisms is essential to enhance resident well-being and safeguard patient care.