Work-related Determinants of Nurses’ Burnout in Pumwani Maternity Hospital, Nairobi City County, Kenya

Aim: This study sought to examine work-related factors of burnout among nurses working in Pumwani Maternity Hospital, Nairobi City County in Kenya.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. The study was conducted at Pumwani Maternity Hospital, Nairobi City County in Kenya. Study period was from August 2015 to December 2016. A total of 96 nurses were included in the study selected through Non-probability sampling. Clustering, purposive and convenient sampling methods were used to select the sample. A self-administered data collection instrument consisting of work related factors questions and Maslach Burnout Inventory -Human Services Survey were used. Data acquired were processed using SPSS version 21, utilizing descriptive and inferential statistics. The theoretical frame work for the study is based on job demands and resources model by Demerouti, Bakker, Nachreiner and Schaufeli (2001).

Results: Finding showed that majority (88.6%) of the respondents were experiencing burn out. Although no work-related factor was found to be statistically significant in influencing burnout levels, role ambiguity and conflict was found to be a significant predicator of burnout. Together with workload, the two were positively related to burnout levels. Provision of essential material reorders, remuneration and extended work shift (in hours) were negatively related to burnout.

Conclusion: The implication of the study shows the need to implement strategies to reduce the incidence of burnout among nurses working in maternal health care facilities. These relate to increase in provision of adequate essential material resources, proper remuneration, compensation for extended shifts, reduced workloads, proper job specifications and description and conflict resolution.