Prevalence of compassion fatigue among post-graduate trainees in Pakistan: A cross-sectional study

To determine the prevalence of compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction and burnout and identify the socio-demographic and work-related factors associated with compassion fatigue among FCPS Part-II trainees in Pakistan.

A cross-sectional study of FCPS-II trainees was conducted using stratified sampling at multiple centers over six months. Data was collected through an online, self-administered survey, which consisted of the 30-item ProQOL-V and a socio-demographic and work-related characteristics questionnaire. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Data was analysed using SPSS 26 for descriptive stats, one-sample t-test, Pearson correlation, and multivariate linear regression at a 95% significance level.

Out of 460, only 392 trainees completely filled the online survey (completion rate: 90.74%). The study found that 78.80% of postgraduate trainees experienced moderate levels of compassion fatigue (CF) (Mean = 27.6, SD = 6.3), with moderate burnout (BO) (75.50%, Mean = 26.6, SD = 5.9), while moderately high Compassion satisfaction (CS) (90.60%, Mean = 33.3, SD = 5.5). Compared to normative data, compassion fatigue levels were significantly elevated among post-graduate trainees (p < 0.001). Significant correlations were observed between CF and BO (r =0.59), CF and CS (r = -0.20), and BO and CS (r = -0.63). Factors associated with higher CF included family dependents (p = 0.029), longer working hours (p < 0.001), and inadequate sleep (p < 0.001). Trainees in "Poor" work environments reported higher CF levels than those in "Excellent" environments (p < 0.001). Additionally, engaging in self-care activities such as exercise, prayer, and socialising were associated with lower CF levels (p < 0.05).

The study revealed that many postgraduate trainees experience moderate compassion fatigue and burnout, with a strong positive correlation between CF and BO. Compassion satisfaction inversely related to both CF and BO, highlighting the need to boost CS. Factors like longer work hours, poor sleep, family dependents and unfavorable work conditions were linked to higher Compassion Fatigue. Conversely, engaging in self-care practices like prayer, meditation, exercise, and socialising is associated with decreased compassion fatigue levels. These results stress the importance of tailored interventions to enhance trainees' well-being and ultimately improve patient care quality.