NAUUPOS NA KANDILA: A Correlational Study on the Level of Burnout and Quality of Life of Case workers in Metro Manila

Abstract

The study discussed the phenomenon of burnout among case workers employed in Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) centers, social welfare-oriented non-government organizations (NGOs) and Social Welfare offices of local government units. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between the level of burnout experienced by case workers and their quality of life. Mixed methods of quantitative and qualitative techniques, following the sequential-explanatory design, were applied in the study. Survey questionnaires were administered to 105 participants and interviews were conducted to 5 participants using purposive sampling. Measures of statistical tests showed that the level of burnout and quality of life of case workers have a negative low significant relationship. However, the support system and coping mechanisms of case workers help them from further experiencing burnout. Hence, they still view their quality of life as good. Given the results of the study, it is clear that case workers are vulnerable to burnout and burnout can affect their quality of life. The findings show the importance of intervention strategies in order for the case workers to cope with burnout and be able to perform their tasks much better. By conducting this study, it could raise awareness on the phenomenon of burnout that exists among Filipino case workers especially that case workers are often overlooked. Case workers deserve to be provided care and support as well because their profession is not easy as what most people think it is.