Burnout among psychiatric social workers in South Asia: A systematic review with implications for Sri Lanka

Background: Psychiatric social workers (PSWs) in South Asia, including Sri Lanka and India, are essential members of mental health teams but often face high workloads, role ambiguity, and limited institutional support, increasing their risk of burnout.
Aims: This review synthesizes empirical evidence on the prevalence and determinants of burnout among PSWs in South Asia, with a focus on implications for Sri Lanka.
Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, IndMED, and Google Scholar up to July 2025. Eligible studies included original, English-language articles reporting on burnout among PSWs using validated tools. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Narrative synthesis was performed.
Results: Eleven cross-sectional studies met the inclusion criteria. Burnout prevalence among PSWs ranged from 22% to 71%. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was most frequently used. Key risk factors included excessive workload, inadequate supervision, role conflict, and poor organizational climate
Conclusion: Burnout among PSWs in South Asia is widespread, with significant implications for workforce sustainability in countries like Sri Lanka. Institutional reforms to improve work environments, define roles clearly, and enhance support systems are urgently needed.