Relationship between Vicarious Trauma and Psychological Well-being among Healthcare Workers in Homa Bay County, Kenya

Vicarious trauma is a persistent yet often overlooked challenge to the psychological well-being of healthcare workers, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study explored the relationship between vicarious trauma and psychological well-being among healthcare workers in Homa Bay County, Kenya, using a correlational research design. Quantitative data were collected using the Vicarious Trauma Assessment Scale and the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) tool, both demonstrating strong internal reliability. Results indicated widespread emotional exhaustion and intense anxiety among respondents, with a pronounced tendency to dwell on patients’ negative experiences. Among the measured indicators, continuous cognitive focus on negative incidents emerged as the strongest predictor of psychological strain, while general anxiety was less influential. Regression and chi-square analyses confirmed the significance of cognitive rumination as a key determinant. These findings underscore the need for targeted psychosocial support, cognitive-based interventions, and institutional resilience-building strategies to protect healthcare workers’ mental health and promote safer, more sustainable patient care.