Compassion fatigue: a study among the staff working i at the critical care areas of Kenyatta National Hospital Nairobi, Kenya
Abstract
Objective
The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of compassion fatigue among
the critical area workers of Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya.
Design
This was a descriptive cross sectional study.
Outcome measures
The prevalence rates, social demographic characteristics, factors associated with
compassion fatigue.
Procedure
This was purposeful sampling study where all the categories of staffs working in the
critical care areas were included.
Results
The prevalence rate of compassion fatigue was found to be 74.4%.
The risk factors associated with compassion fatigue were being young with those
between 26 - 35 found to have the highest rate of compassion fatigue. Being married the
rate of compassion fatigue increased from 22.2% for high risk to 51% for the extremely
high risk. Being a protestant Christian the rate of compassion fatigue increased from
14.7% to 58.7% for those with high to extremely high risk of compassion fatigue.
Working in the intensive care unit, those working in intensive care had compassion
fatigue increasing from 17.2% from high to extremely high 51.9%. Those with college
diplomas from medical training colleges were also found to suffer from fatigue ranging
from 19.4% to 55.8% for high to extremely high. Others found to have high level of
fatigue were those who were willing to change the department, where the level of
compassion fatigue increased from 17.2% and 65.5% for those with high and extremely
high respectively.
The protective factor identified in this study was only the period of work. Those who had
worked for more years had less compassion fatigue.
Citation
Degree of Master of Science In Clinical Psychology of the University of NairobiPublisher
University of Nairobi Department Of Psychiatry University Of Nairobi
Description
Dissertation presented as
part of fulfillment for the a ward
of a Master Of Science In Clinical
Psychology University
of Nairobi