Prevalence of Secondary Traumatic Stress among Probation Officers in Nairobi County, Kenya

Probation officers occupy an essential position within criminal justice systems. Their routine interaction with clients who have experienced various forms of trauma, such as abuse, violence, and incarceration-related distress, may indirectly expose them to secondary traumatic stress (STS). An important first step in mitigating STS among probation officers is to assess the prevalence levels and trends. The study sought to determine the prevalence of STS among probation officers in Nairobi County, Kenya with a view to explore the symptoms and patterns that offer critical baseline data to underpin the development of relevant policy interventions. Cross-sectional survey design was used to explore the prevalence levels, trends, and STS symptoms. The population of the study was 108 probation officers distributed across eight workstations. Data was collected using the STS Scale. A total of 84 probation officers responded to the study. Data was analyzed by generating percentage frequencies, mean and standard deviation scores. A high prevalence rate of 72.6% was observed, with 40.5% of respondents reporting either high or severe levels of STS. Probation officers were more likely to experience intrusive thoughts and avoidance reactions related to clients’ traumatic experiences than heightened physiological arousal symptoms. Thus, probation officers operated in a psychologically demanding environment that placed them at significant risk of STS. However, demographic and work-related factors did not significantly predict STS prevalence. The study underscores the need for strengthened institutional support and targeted mental health interventions within the probation service. Recommendation is made that the State Department for Correctional Services and the Probation and Aftercare Service institutionalize a comprehensive trauma-informed workplace mental health policy for all probation officers.

Secondary Traumatic Stress, Probation Officers, Occupational Trauma, Criminal Justice, Kenya

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