The Level of Compassionate Care and Its Associated Factors Among Healthcare Workers Working in Selected Public Hospitals in Mwanza Region: A Cross – Sectional Study

Abstract Background Compassionate care is an essential component of quality healthcare and involves responding to patients with empathy, respect and understanding. However, evidence on the level of compassionate care among healthcare workers in Tanzania remains limited. This study assessed the level of compassionate care among healthcare workers working in selected public hospitals in Mwanza region, Tanzania. Methods A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 healthcare workers working in four selected public hospitals in Mwanza region, Tanzania. Data were collected using an adapted 12 item Schwartz Center Compassionate Care Scale tool with responses measured on a five-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the level of compassionate care. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with the level of compassionate care. The multivariable ordinal logistic regression included relevant participant, professional, perceived patient-related and organizational factors. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and p-values were used to assess the strength and the statistical significance associations between the independent variables and the outcome variable (level of compassionate care). Results The overall mean compassionate care score was 2.80 (SD 0.99) out of 5, corresponding to 56% of the maximum possible score. Overall, 21.0% of healthcare workers had very low, 29.5% low, 17.2% moderate, 22.0% high and 10.2% very high levels of compassionate care. In the multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis, higher levels of compassionate care were significantly associated with having heard about compassionate care (AOR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.08–3.03; p = 0.023), having received compassionate care training (AOR = 2.67, 95% CI:1.48–4.81; p = 0.001), feeling good when acting compassionately (AOR = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.49–4.93; p = 0.001), good patients behavior (AOR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.47–3.82; p < 0.001), leadership promotion of compassionate care (AOR = 3.47, 95%CI: 2.10–5.75; p < 0.001) and adequate time for compassionate care provision (AOR = 1.95, 95% CI:1.13–3.38; p = 0.016). Perceived sufficiency of staffing was inversely associated with compassionate care (AOR = 0.39, 95%CI: 0.21–0.70; p = 0.002). Conclusions The level of compassionate care among healthcare workers in selected hospitals in Mwanza region was moderate, with half of the healthcare workers reporting low or very low levels of compassionate care. Awareness and training on compassionate care, supportive leadership, positive patients’ behavior and adequate time for patient care as perceived by healthcare workers were associated with higher levels of compassionate care. Strengthening these areas while addressing staffing challenges may contribute to improved compassionate care provision in the public hospitals in Tanzania.