Study highlights emotional strain among Kenyan nurses
Researchers explained that many nurses continue to manage domestic duties after exhausting hospital shifts, creating a relentless cycle of stress and fatigue.
While nursing continues to attract many young Kenyans, the profession is proving far more demanding than most expect.
A new study, titled “Individual Factors Influencing Occupational Burnout among Nurses at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya”, reveals that a majority of nurses are battling exhaustion, emotional strain, and doubt over their career choices.
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At KNH, more than half of the nurses, 52 per cent, say they are experiencing burnout. Married nurses are particularly vulnerable, highlighting the pressure of juggling long shifts with family responsibilities.
The Ministry of Health, together with Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), surveyed 308 nurses at KNH.
Their research found that 58 per cent of respondents displayed signs of emotional detachment and cynicism.
“Individuals who are married have 2.31 times higher odds of experiencing emotional exhaustion compared to those who are not married. This relationship is statistically significant,” the study noted.
Researchers, led by JKUAT’s Mwakondja Jeomba, explained that many nurses continue to manage domestic duties after exhausting hospital shifts, creating a relentless cycle of stress and fatigue.
KNH’s workforce is relatively young, with nearly 75 per cent of nurses under 40, and more than half having less than five years of experience.
Many are still learning to cope with heavy patient loads, life-and-death emergencies, and extended night shifts at Kenya’s largest referral hospital.
The hospital has 2,400 beds and manages approximately 949,000 inpatients and 800,000 outpatients every year. Its staff of about 6,000 includes roughly 2,000 nurses.
While younger nurses often bring enthusiasm and energy, the study cautions that they are also more susceptible to burnout.
“Some scholars contend that younger nurses, especially those in their first years of service, are more susceptible to emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation, especially in under-resourced and high-pressure environments typical of tertiary care facilities in Kenya,” the research said.
Globally, burnout among nurses is a growing concern. Last year, about 11.23 per cent of nurses reported burnout symptoms, with sub-Saharan Africa recording the highest rates.
The study also highlighted lifestyle impacts: nurses who smoked were five times more likely to experience emotional exhaustion, while those who exercised regularly had a lower risk of burnout.
Symptoms include fatigue, irritability, and emotional numbness. Staff facing these challenges are more prone to errors, absenteeism, or leaving the profession.
At KNH, 98 per cent of nurses reported taking just one annual leave, while 15 per cent work beyond 40 hours per week.
High patient volumes, limited resources, and the intensity of care are key drivers of rapid burnout.
Researchers recommend flexible scheduling for married staff, stress management training, culturally appropriate spiritual support, and wellness programs including exercise and smoking cessation initiatives.
“The Ministry of Health should mandate hospital psychological support systems, allocate resources fairly to decrease burden, and include burnout evaluations in occupational health policy,” the researchers concluded.
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