Socio-economic determinants associated with work-family conflict among nurses and implications on community well-being in the Nairobi metropolitan area, Kenya /

Abstract

The magnitude of work-family conflict (WFC) poses significant challenges to community well-being, particularly among nurses, whose overwhelming work demands compromise their ability to nurture their families and provide quality nursing care to communities. Despite its importance, few studies in Kenya have explored the socio-economic determinants of WFC and its implications on community well-being. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between nurses’ income, work schedules, and social support in addressing WFC and their implications on community well-being. This research was founded on Role strain, Conservation of Resources, and Capability theories. A mixed-method exploratory design was used to facilitate triangulation of qualitative and quantitative data. Eight healthcare facilities and eight Directors of Nursing services were purposively selected while 312 registered nurses were selected by using stratified random sampling.The study was conducted within the dictates of ethical principles stipulated by the Daystar University Committee which approved the protocol. Reliability and validity of the data collection tools were ensured through a pilot study. Data were collected over twenty weeks using semi-structured questionnaires and interviews. Content analysis was applied to systematically code and categorize data, ensuring credibility through reflexivity and triangulation. Quantitative analysis included descriptive statistics to summarize demographic data and linear regression to assess the impact of work schedules, income, and social support on WFC. Findings revealed that nurses experienced higher levels of WFC (53.88%) compared to family-work conflict (46.18%), exacerbated by limited management support, unfavourable work schedules and demanding family roles. Job flexibility positively correlated with marital satisfaction (r = .18, p < .01), with family support identified as a crucial resource. The researcher concluded that WFC significantly affects nurses' family happiness and job performance, extending to negative effects on community well-being and ultimately community development. The researcher recommended revision of work policies related to nurses’ schedules and overtime compensation as well as recognition of the critical role of nurses in fostering healthy communities.