Occupational and substance use correlates of burnout among urban transit operators

Burnout is a special type of prolonged occupational stress that is linked with numerous psychosomatic and psychological sequelae and negative job consequences. Relatively few studies have focused on the correlates of burnout among blue-collar populations. The purpose of this study is to estimate the contribution of occupational factors and substance use to burnout among a multiethnic sample of urban transit operators (n=1270). Survey and medical exam data were obtained from workers who participated in the 1993-95 San Francisco MUNI Health & Safety Study. Job burnout was measured with the Maslach Burnout Inventory emotional exhaustion subscale. Occupational factors included frequency of job problems (e.g., equipment, passengers, traffic), years driving, full or part-time work status, and ergonomic problems (e.g., adjusting the seat; back support; vibration, rocking or bouncing of seat). Substance use measures were alcohol consumption and smoking status (i.e., current, former, and never smokers). The results of multivariable linear regression analysis, adjusted for marital status, race/ethnicity, gender, age, weight, and height, showed that frequency of job problems (Beta=.435, p < .001), ergonomic problems (Beta=.122, p < .001), and full-time work status (Beta=.059, p < .05) were associated with burnout. Although smoking status was not significant, alcohol consumption was positively associated with burnout (Beta=.075, p < .01). Age was negatively correlated with burnout (Beta=-.108, p< .001), which may reflect a healthy worker effect. Because aspects of the psychosocial and physical work environments can be modified, these findings have important policy implications for the prevention of burnout among municipal transit operators.