Relationship between Secondary Traumatic Stress and Social Support among Healthcare Personnel in Private Hospitals in Juja Sub-County, Kiambu County Kenya.
| dc.contributor.author | Ugbong Gabriel-Mario Adie | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-06-26T12:29:05Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-06-26T12:29:05Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024-09 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Healthcare professionals frequently encounter emotionally demanding situations that can lead to secondary traumatic stress (STS), also known as compassion fatigue. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between STS and social support among healthcare personnel in private hospitals in Juja Sub-County, Kenya. Guided by four objectives, the research assessed the levels of STS and social support, examined the relationship between demographic characteristics (age, sex, years of experience, marital status, and cadre of work) and STS, and explored the correlation between STS and social support. The study was anchored in Figley’s Transactional Model of Stress and Cohen and Wills' Social Support Theory. A correlational survey design was employed, utilizing the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) for data collection from a sample of 72 healthcare personnel through a census method approach. Statistical analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics that include the Pearson coefficient, ANOVA, standard deviation and mean using the SPSS-25 software. The findings indicated that the mean STS score was 36.81, with a standard deviation of 12.202, suggesting a moderate level of STS among the participants. Specifically, 17 of the respondents fell within the moderate STS category, 12 respondents within the high category, and 14 among the severe category as per the STSS scoring guidelines. Results showed a mean social support score of 5.19, with a standard deviation of 1.23, indicating moderate to high levels of support. However, Pearson's correlation and regression analyses revealed a very weak negative correlation between STS and SS (r = -0.130, p = 0.276)). Additionally, findings revealed significant differences in STS levels based on job type, with nurses reporting significantly higher stress scores compared to lab technicians (mean difference = 10.34, p = 0.005). Additionally, female healthcare personnel reported higher STS scores (M = 38.73) compared to their male counterparts (M = 33.79, p < 0.05), reflecting a notable gender disparity in STS. However, other demographic factors such as age, years of experience, and marital status did not show any significant relationship with STS. Despite limitations, including restricted participation from private hospitals and potential underrepresentation of the sample, this study represents a pioneering effort in Kenya, specifically in Juja, to explore the intersection of STS and social support among healthcare workers in private hospitals. The findings contribute to the understanding of STS within this population and underscore the need for tailored interventions that address the unique challenges faced by healthcare personnel in private hospitals. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://repository.tangaza.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1558 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Tangaza University | |
| dc.title | Relationship between Secondary Traumatic Stress and Social Support among Healthcare Personnel in Private Hospitals in Juja Sub-County, Kiambu County Kenya. | |
| dc.type | Thesis |