Effect of Work Life Balance on The Psychological Well-Being of Nurses in The Private Health Sector: Case Study of Jocham Hospital

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between work-life balance and psychological well-being among nurses employed in the private healthcare sector, focusing on Jocham Hospital in Mombasa, Kenya. Nurses in low- and middle-income countries frequently encounter challenges such as demanding schedules, limited resources, and high emotional strain factors that can disrupt work-life balance (WLB) and compromise psychological well-being (PWB). While Kenya’s private healthcare sector is expanding, there remains scant research on how WLB impacts nurses’ mental health in these settings.Guided by Spillover Theory, Conservation of Resources Theory, and Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Model, the research adopted a mixed-methods case study design. The target population encompassed all registered nurses at Jocham Hospital; of 75 eligible nurses, 63 participated in the quantitative survey and 12 provided qualitative insights via key informant interviews and open-ended questionnaires. Data collection instruments included the Work-Life Balance Scale (WLBS) and Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI). Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Pearson’s correlation using SPSS, while qualitative data underwent thematic content analysis.The study was guided by the following objectives: (1) to determine the work-life balance status among nurses at Jocham Hospital; (2) to examine the psychological well-being of nurses; (3) to analyze factors influencing work-life balance; (4) to assess the coping mechanisms employed by nurses; and (5) to explore strategies for ensuring better work-life balance.Results showed that 58.7% of nurses experienced moderate WLB, with significant interference of work in personal life. Psychological well-being was similarly moderate, with 25.4% of participants reporting low well-being. There was a significant positive association between WLB and PWB (r = 0.461, p < .01); demographic factors did not have a significant effect on this relationship.This study concludes that nurses’ psychological health in private facilities is closely tied to working conditions, institutional policies, and personal coping strategies. It recommends staffing reforms, protected rest days, structured wellness programs, and supportive organizational cultures to promote sustainable work-life balance and improve nurses’ mental health and well-being.