Burnout has been reported among healthcare professionals including nurse/midwives and is considered one of the potential health hazards. This study aimed to determine the level of job satisfaction and burnout among nurses/midwives at three healthcare institutions in Lilongwe, Malawi. A cross-sectional study was conducted as part of a larger Action Research (AR) study. A total of 170 nurse/midwives working in maternity and paediatric departments completed the McCloskey/Mueller Satisfaction Scale (MMSS) and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Participants experienced moderate and high burnout of Emotional Exhaustion (EE), Depersonalization (DP) and Personal Accomplishment (PA) at 77.7%, 57.7% and 61.2% respectively. The mean level of job satisfaction was 2.77 (SD=0.60). The relationship between burnout dimensions and overall job satisfaction was significant (p<0.005). Emotional Exhaustion and Depersonalization had inverse relationship with overall job satisfaction. Nurses and midwives were found to be experiencing burnout and to be slightly dissatisfied with their job in the survey. The nurses and midwives can benefit from programs that enhance job satisfaction and avoid burnout. This can assist to improve the quality of nursing and midwifery care provided to patients.
Keywords: Burnout, Professional; Depersonalization; Emotions; Job Satisfaction; Malawi; Nurse Midwives; Personal Satisfaction