Browsing by Author "Mulungu Choongo"

Filter results by typing the first few letters
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Prevalence and Precursors of Compassion Fatigue among Healthcare Professionals at Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia
    (2026-5-5) Mashonganyika Vongaishe; Sultana-Muchindu Yasmin; Mulungu Choongo
    The medical field is among the most demanding work fields, with healthcare providers being frequently exposed to traumatic injuries, heavy workloads, and intense emotional pressures. These conditions increase the risk of developing compassion fatigue, a syndrome of physical, emotional, and psychological exhaustion resulting from sustained exposure to patients’ trauma and suffering. Although compassion fatigue has gained recognition globally, limited literature exists in Africa, particularly in Zambia. This study investigated the precursors and prevalence of compassion fatigue among healthcare providers at Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka. A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative design, was employed, using an online questionnaire completed by 232 healthcare professionals across 6 hospital departments. Findings showed that 59.05% of the respondents identified excessive workload as primary precursor of compassion fatigue while 11.21% cited constant exhaustion. Exposure to wounds and patients suffering was noted among 8.19% of respondents respectively. Compassion fatigue prevalence was assessed using the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) scale, focusing on burnout as a key indicator. Results showed that 45.26% of the respondents experienced average burnout, 31.03% low burnout, and 23.71% high burnout. Coping mechanisms included adequate rest (70.60%), shared workload, recreational activities, family support and spiritual practices. These findings highlight the urgent need for institutional strategies to mitigate compassion fatigue and promote healthcare professional well-being.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Prevalence and Related Factors of Burnout among Healthcare Practitioners at Livingstone Central Hospital in Livingstone, Zambia
    (2026-5-5) Phiri Evelyn Eselina; Sultana-Muchindu Yasmin; Mulungu Choongo
    Burnout among healthcare practitioners is a critical issue affecting both the workforce and the quality of patient care. It is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment, leading to decreased job satisfaction and increased turnover rates. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and related factors of burnout among healthcare practitioners at Livingstone Central Hospital in Zambia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 69 healthcare practitioners at Livingstone Central Hospital. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was used to measure burnout across three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal achievement. Socio-demographic and work-related factors were also collected. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were employed to examine the relationships between these factors and burnout. The findings revealed moderate levels of burnout. Emotional exhaustion averaged 18.2, with 16% reporting extreme fatigue. Depersonalization had a mean score of 9.8, while personal achievement was generally low, averaging 39.5, with about 61% of respondents reporting reduced accomplishment. Age, work experience, and professional role were significantly associated with burnout dimensions. Regression analysis showed that workplace comfort and functionality (β = -11.2, p < 0.001) and decision-making involvement (β = -7.5, p = 0.007) were strong protective factors, explaining about 45% of burnout variance (R² = 0.445). Organisational support for professional growth also had a significant impact, accounting for 46% of variance (R² = 0.461). Findings suggest that workplace comfort, involvement in decision-making, and organisational support for professional growth are strongly associated with lower burnout scores. These factors may serve as protective correlates rather than definitive solutions. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions and policies to support the well-being of healthcare workers and, consequently, improve the quality of patient care. The need for future research remains to solidify and expand the understanding on burnout.