Factors Contributing to Burnout Among Nurses in Public Hospitals in Africa: A Scoping Review
TL;DR
Burnout among nurses in African public hospitals is driven by interconnected organisational and systemic challenges and requires a multifaceted approach, including improved staffing, stronger leadership, enhanced resource allocation, and implementation of wellness and support programmes.
Abstract
Background Burnout among nurses is a growing public health concern, particularly in resource-constrained healthcare systems across Africa. Nurses working in public hospitals are frequently exposed to high workloads, staffing shortages, and limited organisational support, all of which contribute to chronic occupational stress. Objectives This scoping review aimed to map and synthesise evidence on factors contributing to burnout among nurses working in public hospitals in Africa. Methods The review followed Arksey and O′Malley’s framework, enhanced by Levac et al., and was guided by PRISMA-ScR reporting standards. A comprehensive search of PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science identified studies published between 2020 and 2026. Eligibility criteria were defined using the Population Concept Context (PCC) framework. A total of 990 English-language records were identified, and 11 studies were included after screening. Data were extracted and analysed thematically. Results Five key themes were identified: (1) excessive workload leading to emotional and physical exhaustion; (2) poor management support and communication gaps; (3) inadequate resources and infrastructure; (4) unfavourable work environments and staffing conditions; and (5) limited access to wellness and professional development programmes. These factors were consistently associated with reduced job satisfaction, increased turnover intention, and compromised patient care. Conclusion Burnout among nurses in African public hospitals is driven by interconnected organisational and systemic challenges. Addressing these factors requires a multifaceted approach, including improved staffing, stronger leadership, enhanced resource allocation, and implementation of wellness and support programmes. Contribution This review contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive synthesis of evidence on nurse burnout in African public hospital settings, identifying key systemic drivers, and highlighting gaps to guide future research and policy development.