Prevalence and contextual factors associated with compassion fatigue among nurses in northern Uganda.

Amir Kabunga,Lucas Goodgame Anyayo,Brenda Apili,Ponsiano Okalo,Samson Udho,Viola Nalwoga,Rubén Morilla

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0257833

Abstract

BackgroundCompassion fatigue is associated with negative consequences that undermine workplace performance. However, literature is scarce on compassion fatigue among nurses in the context of Uganda who are at higher risk of compassion fatigue owed to the nature of their occupation and the unfavorable work environment. We aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of compassion fatigue among nurses in Northern Uganda.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey among 395 randomly selected nurses from two referral and four general hospitals in Northern Uganda. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis consisted of descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and logistic regression at a 95% level of significance in SPSS version 25.ResultsOf 395 nurses who took part in the study, 58.2% were female, 39.8% had a diploma, 47.1% were single, and 32.4% had worked for between 11–15 years. Close to 50% of the nurses experienced compassion fatigue. The predictors of compassion fatigue among the participants were; workplace bullying (AOR: 3.83; 95% CI: 1.99–7.36; p = <0.001) career enhancement opportunities (AOR: 9.16; 95% CI: 2.32–36.22; p = 0.002; and remuneration (AOR: 7.30; 95% CI: 2.73–19.49; p = <0.001).ConclusionMore than 3 in 4 nurses in Northern Uganda experience compassion fatigue. The Ministry of Health together with other stakeholders should strive to increase career enhancement opportunities for nurses, improve nurses’ remuneration and improve the overall workplace environment to prevent compassion fatigue among nurses in the country.

Highlights

The predictors of compassion fatigue among the participants were; workplace bullying (AOR: 3.83; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.99–7.36; p =
More than half of health professionals in high-income countries suffer from compassion fatigue [1, 2] and there is growing evidence to show that it affects nurses compared to other health professionals [3]
In sub-Saharan Africa and East Africa in particular, there is limited evidence on the wellbeing of the health workforce [5], rather, there is a preoccupation with concerns of the health systems shortfalls, staff absenteeism, medical malpractices, understaffing, staff turnover, the availability, quantity, and quality of health services, and the poor working conditions of the workforce [6]

Summary

Introduction

More than half of health professionals in high-income countries suffer from compassion fatigue [1, 2] and there is growing evidence to show that it affects nurses compared to other health professionals [3]. This may be because nurses directly support patients empathetically as compared to their counterparts [4]. The biggest single group of health care professionals are challenged to deal with the complex demands of overstrained health systems These demands can result in compassion fatigue [7]. We aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of compassion fatigue among nurses in Northern Uganda

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion