Determinants of Moral Distress among Healthcare Providers Working in Oncology Department, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi City County, Kenya
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Date
2024-02
Authors
Mwenya, Morine N.
Githemo, Grace
Kodhiambo, Mourice
Pharm, M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
RJI
Abstract
Background: This study discusses the prevalence, causes and interrelationships of the causal factors and the coping
mechanisms of the HCPs to moral distress in oncology departments.
The purpose of the study: A cross sectional study was conducted, using a proportionate stratified sampling method to
take in the study sample representative and information was composed using a structured self- administered
questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was done where frequencies and percentages were used to sum up grouped data
while mean and standard deviation was used to summarize continuous data. Chi-square and Fischer’s exact test were
used to investigate the factors associated with moral distress. Binary logistic regression was used to investigate the
determinants of moral distress. Level of significance was investigated at 0.05. Statistical package for social sciences was
used for analysis.
Results: The findings showed that, 56.6%(n =82) of the respondents were male. In investigating age group of study
participants, 40.7%(n =59) were aged between 41 and 50 years. Marital status showed that 59.3%(n =86) of the
participants were married. In investigating moral distress, that 37.9% (n =55) had no moral distress, 49%(n =71) had
mild moral distress while 13.1%(n =19) had severe moral distress. The findings showed that participants with degree,
(AOR =0.33, 95%CI:0.14 – 0.85, p =0.001), higher diploma, (AOR =0.22, 95%CI:0.10 – 0.49, p <001) and those with
master’s level education, (AOR =0.16, 95%CI:0.04 – 0.51, p =0.010) were less likely to experience moral distress as
likened to those with diploma level qualification. Those who had ≤2 years duration of experience (AOR =2.50,
95%CI:1.91 – 6.41, p =0.005). Those who were neutral on assertion that patients’ relatives have unrealistic expectations
about them (OR =0.24, 95%CI:0.09 – 0.76, p =0.015), Those who agreed with the statement that patients’ relatives
have unrealistic expectations about (AOR =3.88, 95%CI:1.05 – 14.35, p =0.042 and those who disagreed with the
statement that there is autonomy in decision making (AOR =4.15, 95%CI: 1.16 – 14.81, p =0.028) were determinants of
moral distress.
Conclusion and recommendations: The findings have showed that the burden of moral distress is high which warrants
the need for healthcare providers to shape focus on their wellbeing. There is need to foster a culture of open
communication where healthcare providers feel comfortable discussing moral distress and ethical challenges with
colleagues, supervisors, and mentors.
Description
Article
Keywords
Moral Distress, Healthcare, Prevalence
Citation
MWENYA, M. N., GITHEMO, G., & KODHIAMBO, M. (2024). Determinants of moral distress among healthcare providers working in oncology department, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi City County, Kenya. Reviewed International Journal of Medicine, Nursing & Public Health, 5(1), 22-46.