Impact of COVID-19 on nurse outcomes in the private sector of South Africa: a cross-sectional study
2024

Impact of COVID-19 on Nurse Outcomes in South Africa

Sample size: 2260 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Gohentsemang Granny Solofelang, Coetzee Siedine, Botha Stephani, Fourie Erika

Primary Institution: North-West University

Hypothesis

This study explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nurse outcomes in the private sector of South Africa.

Conclusion

Nurses were significantly impacted by COVID-19, experiencing high levels of burnout and compassion fatigue, while also reporting high levels of compassion satisfaction.

Supporting Evidence

  • Nurses reported high levels of compassion satisfaction and moderate levels of compassion fatigue.
  • Almost a quarter of nurses expressed intentions to leave their job, with some considering leaving the profession altogether.
  • Exposure to COVID-19 patients correlated with increased compassion fatigue and decreased job satisfaction.

Takeaway

Nurses in South Africa faced a lot of stress and burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic, but many still felt good about their jobs.

Methodology

A cross-sectional survey design was used, with multistage sampling to select participants from various provinces and hospitals.

Limitations

The study's cross-sectional design limits the ability to determine causality between COVID-19 exposure and nurse outcomes.

Participant Demographics

{"gender_distribution":{"female":92.5,"male":7.5},"employment_status":{"full_time":93.6,"part_time":1.2,"contract":1.5,"agency":3.7},"average_age":42.26,"years_worked_as_nurse":16.44,"majority_specialty":"Registered Nurses"}

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.0001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/s12912-024-02559-8

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