Influence of Psychological First Aid on Burnout Among Nurses at AIC Kijabe Level 5 Hospital, Kiambu County, Kenya.

Burnout among nurses remains a significant occupational health concern in healthcare settings characterized by heavy workloads, emotional demands, staffing shortages, and limited psychosocial support. Understanding the specific dimensions of burnout experienced by nurses is essential for identifying areas requiring Psychological First Aid (PFA) interventions. This study sought to determine the types of burnouts that necessitate Psychological First Aid among nurses at AIC Kijabe Level 5 Hospital, Kiambu County, Kenya. Guided by Maslach’s Burnout Theory, the study adopted a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Data were collected from 152 nurses using a structured questionnaire incorporating the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), alongside open-ended questions to capture participants’ experiences. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative responses were analysed thematically. The findings revealed that emotional exhaustion was the most prevalent dimension of burnout among nurses, characterized by feelings of emotional depletion, fatigue, and reduced energy for personal life. Depersonalization was also evident, although at lower levels, with some nurses reporting emotional distancing and reduced compassion toward patients. The results indicate that emotional exhaustion constitutes the primary burnout dimension necessitating Psychological First Aid interventions within the study setting.
The study concludes that burnout among nurses is predominantly manifested through emotional exhaustion, highlighting the need for timely Psychological First Aid interventions to support nurses’ psychological well-being. Healthcare institutions should strengthen psychosocial support services and integrate structured Psychological First Aid programs to address burnout and promote workforce well-being.

Burnout, Psychological First Aid, Nurses, Organizational Support, Coping Mechanisms, Kenya

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