Exploring the causes of work-related stress and burnout among doctors in Bangladesh: a qualitative study

Purpose

The global shortage of healthcare professionals disproportionately affects low/middle income countries. Bangladesh is facing critical health workforce shortages, exacerbating workload and the risk of doctors’ burnout. However, there is a lack of qualitative research into causes of occupational burnout in Bangladeshi doctors. This study investigated the factors contributing to burnout among Bangladeshi doctors.

Methods

An exploratory approach was employed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis with a Critical Realist approach. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with Bangladeshi doctors (general practitioners, cardiologists, surgeons, and paediatricians). Data were collected in English or Bangla and analysed using Atlas.ti version 24.

Results

Four themes were developed: (1) the postgraduate phase is a pressure pinch-point, (2) there is limited awareness of mental health issues and insufficient support, (3) high workload and competing demands, (4) unhelpful public attitudes and media narratives. Findings highlight structural, cultural, and organizational factors driving burnout.

Discussion

Addressing burnout in Bangladeshi doctors requires systemic and policy-level interventions. Mental health support, workload management strategies, and public awareness initiatives are critical to improving doctors’ well-being and sustaining the healthcare workforce in Bangladesh. Overall, the study offers the first in-depth qualitative account of how intersecting structural and cultural pressures shape doctors’ experiences of burnout in Bangladesh.