Well-being in Australian chiropractors and chiropractic students: factors influencing burnout and job satisfaction

Background: Chiropractors face workplace stressors that affect well-being, burnout and job satisfaction. The well-being of chiropractors and students in Australia is yet to be examined.

Methods: From September 2024 to January 2025, Australian chiropractors and students completed a well-being survey. Measures included burnout, anxiety, depression, job satisfaction, substance use, suicidal ideation and job demands/resources. Multivariable regression models assessed factors associated with burnout and job satisfaction.

Results: Of 200 respondents, 38% reported burnout and nearly 80% reported job satisfaction. Early-career chiropractors reported lower job satisfaction and higher burnout. Higher depression (β=0.26 [0.15-0.36]) and anxiety (β=0.03 [0.00-0.06]) scores were associated with burnout. Job satisfaction was associated with lower depression (OR=.60 [0.39-0.93]), more resources (OR=2.98 [1.39-6.39]) and greater workload control (OR=2.03 [1.14-3.62]).

Conclusion: Preliminary results suggest the need for well-being screening and interventions for at-risk groups, including students, early career chiropractors and those experiencing elevated anxiety and depression.