Compassion Fatigue in Caregivers: A Hidden Crisis in Healthcare Systems-A Study from Jashore, Bangladesh

Background Compassion fatigue, arising from prolonged exposure to patient suffering, is a critical yet under-recognized problem among healthcare workers, particularly in resource-limited settings like Bangladesh, where nurses face high patient loads and limited support. Aim This study assessed the prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of compassion fatigue among nurses at Jashore 250-Bedded General Hospital, highlighting local determinants affecting caregiver well-being and patient care. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 380 nurses, selected via stratified random sampling across medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and ICU/emergency departments. The Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL-V) measured compassion fatigue. Sample size calculation assumed 45% prevalence, validated by a pilot study of 30 nurses. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were applied to identify demographic and occupational predictors. Results High compassion fatigue was observed in 44.2% of nurses, with ICU/emergency staff most affected (52%). Significant predictors included > 10 years of service (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.4–3.8), ICU/emergency roles (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2–2.9), and insufficient support (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.6–4.1). Outcomes included reduced job satisfaction, increased turnover risk, and potential patient safety concerns. Conclusion Compassion fatigue is a significant challenge among Bangladeshi nurses. Targeted organizational and individual interventions—including workload management, peer support, and mental health programs—are essential to sustain nurse well-being and quality patient care.