Compassion fatigue and coping strategies among healthcare providers in Central Uganda: a facility-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to investigate the relationship between coping strategies and compassion fatigue among healthcare professionals in Central Uganda. Design A facility-based cross-sectional study conducted between June and July 2023. Three tools were used for data collection: a socio-demographic survey, the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL-5) and the Brief-Coping, Orientation to Problem Experienced tool. Participants were asked to recall experiences from the previous 30 days. Setting The study was conducted in five prominent hospitals in Central Uganda. Participants A total of 548 healthcare providers, including 191 physicians, 256 nurses and 103 technicians. Main outcome measures Compassion fatigue scores. Results Most participants were under 29 years old (50.9%) and women (62.0%). High levels of compassion fatigue were reported by 37.8% of participants. Active coping, self-distraction and denial were associated with higher compassion fatigue, while informational support, positive reframing and venting were linked to lower fatigue levels. Seeking social support effectively reduced compassion fatigue. Conclusion The findings highlight significant compassion fatigue among healthcare providers in Central Uganda, impacting their well-being and patient care. Coping strategies like active problem-solving and social support are promising in mitigating compassion fatigue. Interventions should focus on reducing self-distraction, enhancing problem-solving skills and fostering supportive work environments to improve healthcare workers’ well-being and patient care quality.