Relationship between relatedness satisfaction and vulnerability to depression among healthcare workers in Kiambu level 5 Hospital, Kenya

The mental health of healthcare professionals has become an increasingly pressing concern, particularly in high-stress environments where exposure to traumatic events is frequent. This study aimed to establish the relationship between relatedness satisfaction and vulnerability to depression among healthcare workers in Kiambu Level 5 Hospital, Kenya. Guided by Basic Psychological Needs theory and self-determination theories, a convergent research approach was adopted, employing both ex post facto research design for quantitative data and phenomenological research design for qualitative data. A total of 146 healthcare workers participated in the study. Quantitative data were collected using questionnaires, while qualitative data were gathered through interview schedules. The results indicated a weak positive correlation (r = 0.072, p = 0.389) between relatedness needs satisfaction and levels of depression, suggesting that as the satisfaction of relatedness needs increases, the severity of depression tends to increase slightly. The findings revealed a significant proportion of healthcare workers reported various levels of depressive symptoms, with those dissatisfied with social support being particularly vulnerable. Specifically, 73% of these individuals experienced mild mood disturbances or higher, and none of the participants lacking satisfactory social support reported normal mood fluctuations, indicating a complete absence of emotional stability. The study also highlighted strong negative emotional outcomes among those with inadequate social support and poor interpersonal connections, with higher rates of moderate (38.5%) and severe (7.7%) depression symptoms among those unhappy with their social environment. Conversely, while some participants who experienced good connectedness reported better mood outcomes, a substantial portion still faced various degrees of mood disturbances. Additionally, healthcare workers reporting work-family conflicts exhibited alarming trends in depressive symptoms, with over 80% experiencing mild to severe depressive symptoms and none reporting normal mood fluctuations. This emphasizes the stress that healthcare workers endure in balancing professional and personal responsibilities, leading to heightened emotional distress.