ABSTRACT
Background: Burnout is a psychological syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment, particularly prevalent in high-stress occupations. Security personnel, due to the nature of their work, are particularly vulnerable to burnout. This study aims to assess the prevalence, knowledge, attitudes, and factors influencing burnout among security personnel in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Objective: To assess burnout among security personnel in Benin City, Edo State, with the aim of informing the development of workplace policies, training programs, and interventions, thereby reducing burnout and promoting a healthier work environment Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 546 security personnel, selected through multistage sampling. Data was collected using a pretested, self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire incorporated tools such as the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations to assess burnout prevalence, knowledge, and coping strategies. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0, with bivariate analysis through Chisquare tests, and statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 34.5 (±8.4) years, with a predominance of males (72.2%). Knowledge of burnout was poor in 61.3% of respondents. 280, 51% had a negative attitude towards burnout. Burnout was present in 242 (44%) of the respondents, with emotional exhaustion being the most common dimension. Older age, ethnicity, type of security agency, socioeconomic class, inadequate job resources, and role ambiguity were significant predictors of burnout. Conclusion: The prevalence of burnout among security personnel in Benin City is significant, with poor knowledge and attitude observed. Targeted interventions, including training on stress management and organizational support, are recommended to reduce burnout levels and promote a healthier work environment. Keywords: Burnout, security personnel, police, military, civil defence, knowledge, attitude, prevalence, factors, predictors, Benin City
