Factors Affecting Motivation of Primary Health Care Workers in West Arsi Zone, Oromia Region, South East of Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: There is the fact that low health worker motivation may affect the success of health care system. Therefore this study is aimed at identifying factors affecting motivation of primary health workers working at public health centers of West Arsi zone of Ethiopia. Methods: This facility based was a cross-sectional study, pretested questionnaire were self-administered to 307 health workers from various clinical specialties. The responses were collected and analyzed; results were presented in frequency and tables. Results: This study revealed that considerable proportions, 41.7% of the participants were demotivated towards providing routine health care of clients. Job satisfaction and professional advancements were factors positively affecting motivation of the respondents. Respondents’ attained professional advancements were 3.5 times more likely motivated than those not advanced providers. Likewise, the odd of being motivated for those satisfied at their job was 5 times higher than those unsatisfied at their jobs. Conclusions: Significant numbers of the primary health care providers participated in this study were found to be demotivated towards jobs. Job satisfaction and professional advancements were factors influencing job motivation among the primary health care providers. Therefore, administrative measures aiming at raising the primary health care providers’ motivation should be placed.