摘要：Background/Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increase the risk for mental health problems. However, there is a lack of data targeting the role of ACEs for one of the most prevalent mental health problems in healthcare professionals: burnout. Therefore, we aimed to assess the relationship between ACEs and the core burnout dimension “emotional exhaustion” (EE). As healthcare professionals have been facing particular challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, we furthermore aimed to assess the role of COVID-19 associated burden in the interplay between ACEs and EE. Method: During the first lockdown in Germany, a total of 2503 medical healthcare professionals were questioned in a cross-sectional online survey (egePan/ NUM project). Questions targeted, among others, sociodemographics, ACEs, COVID-19 associated problems, and emotional exhaustion, measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Results: In German healthcare professionals, a higher number of ACEs was correlated with a higher EE score. ACEs were correlated with the majority of assessed COVID19 associated problems. An increasing number of ACEs predicted higher EE scores. The association between ACEs and EE was mediated significantly by many of the assessed COVID-19 associated problems. These included maladaptive coping strategies such as increased smoking, drinking, and use of antidepressants/tranquillizers, feeling less protected by measures of the employee or the state, a greater feeling of being burdened by COVID-19 associated problems, and greater exhaustion and sleep problems. Conclusions: Our findings suggest ACEs as a significant risk factor for EE in German healthcare professionals. The current pandemic means a significant burden that further escalates this risk.
