Burkina Faso/Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo : un étudiant en médecine sur cinq présente un burn-out

---

Extract from the article: A cross-sectional study entitled 'Evaluation of burnout among medical students in Burkina Faso', conducted in 2025 by the psychiatrist Dr Boubacar Bagué, a research professor at the University Joseph Ki-Zerbo in Burkina Faso, shows that one in five s

---

A cross-sectional study entitled 'Evaluation of burnout among medical students in Burkina Faso', conducted in 2025 by the psychiatrist Dr Boubacar Bagué, a research professor at the University Joseph Ki-Zerbo in Burkina Faso, shows that one in five students experiences burnout. In a context of academic pressure, lack of support and fragile living conditions, the mental health of future doctors becomes an issue for the training system.

One in five students suffers from burnout, with fatigue affecting morale and concentration, a feeling of detachment and the impression of not moving forward. This observation comes from a study conducted by Dr. Boubacar Bagué and his collaborators with four hundred and sixty-two medical students at the University Joseph Ki-Zerbo, in order to better understand what they experience on a daily basis.

The dream of becoming a doctor is accompanied by a demanding pace, made of long days, constant pressure and limited means. According to the study, 26% of students present fatigue that affects morale and 50.2% recognize irregular attendance at classes. Intrinsic motivation is present in a majority, but only 21.4% are satisfied with the training program. Between a high workload, high expectations and material difficulties, the personal balance becomes difficult to preserve.

Exhaustion is manifested by intense emotional fatigue, a retreat from studies and the impression of not progressing despite the investment. Prolonged work beyond eight hours per day increases the risk of burnout, while group work seems to reduce this risk. Insufficient support, lack of regular physical activity or a pace of care deemed difficult also contribute to aggravating the situation. Some students manage to hold on thanks to mutual aid, family support or more stable lifestyle habits, but these resources remain unequal and fragile.

This phenomenon is not due to a lack of will but to a demanding training framework that leaves little margin for recovery. It affects learning, disrupts engagement and undermines preparation for a profession where emotional balance matters as much as clinical skills. More broadly, it questions the way in which medical training accompanies those who dedicate several years of their life to it.

To allow students to go through their journey without leaving their health behind, it becomes essential to strengthen listening, to adapt certain requirements and to promote spaces where one can ask for help without fear of judgment. It is not a question of reducing the ambition of medical training but of making it compatible with a more bearable living environment. Supporting these future doctors today means preparing professionals capable of practicing tomorrow with lucidity, empathy and stability.

Elom AKAKPO (Source: santé bulletin)