Compassion fatigue and its associated factors among clinical nurses: a cross-sectional study.

Authors

Juan Wang, Rong Su, Shouhua Peng, Ling Chen, Yan Sun, Qinqin Cheng

Published in

BMC nursing. Jul 11, 2026. Epub Jul 11, 2026.

Abstract

To investigate the prevalence of compassion fatigue among clinical nurses in Xinjiang, China, and to identify factors associated with CF, thereby providing scientific evidence for developing targeted interventions to safeguard nurses' occupational health.
A cross-sectional study conducted in accordance with the STROBE guidelines.
Tertiary, secondary and primary hospitals located in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.
A total of 544 registered clinical nurses were enrolled using convenience sampling between September 2025 and October 2025.
The level of compassion fatigue was measured using the Chinese version of the Compassion Fatigue Scale-Short Scale (C-CFSS). Univariate analysis and multivariate linear regression were used to identify associated factors.
The overall compassion fatigue score for the 544 nurses was (56.43 ± 25.12) points. Comparisons of compassion fatigue scores across different departments, professional titles, years of nursing experience in the current department, and receipt of relevant training revealed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that department type, length of service in the current department, and receipt of relevant training were the primary factors associated with nurses' compassion fatigue (R²=0.321, adjusted R²=0.310, P < 0.001).
Compassion fatigue levels among the participating nurses were moderate. Nurses in intensive care and oncology departments exhibited a higher risk of compassion fatigue, and those lacking relevant training or having longer tenure in their current department experienced more pronounced fatigue. Within this sample, a dual approach of individual empowerment and organizational support may be associated with lower compassion fatigue, improved nursing care quality, and enhanced professional well-being for nurses.
Not applicable.

PMID:
42436471
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 12 Jul 2026.

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