Health Workers and their Retention: The Situation of Health Care Work in Leprosy Settlements in Abia, Ebonyi and Oyo States of Nigeria.

Abstract

Introduction: Retention of trained, qualified and motivated health workers is a key component for health system strengthening and achieving world health organization’s (WHO) global strategy for reducing leprosy burden and sustaining leprosy control activities. Study aimed to elucidate the factors and conditions that influence health workers’ job satisfaction in settlements. Materials and method: A total of 31 health workers employed in the three settlements were studied. Data were collected using semi-structured focus group discussion and in-depth interview. Further, situational analyses and informal observation of the activities in the settlements were done. Also Nottingham’s life satisfaction index was used to assess job satisfaction of health workers. Data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Results: There was acute shortage of highly qualified health staff in the settlements. Two factors, personal factors and institutional factors affected health workers’ retention negatively. Workers remained in one post for prolonged periods of time before earning promotion. In all, 10 (76.9%)of health workers in Abia and 8(72.7%) in Ebonyi States stayed 6-9 years respectively on one post before earning promotion while 4(57.1%) from Oyo stayed 3-7 years. Conclusion: the study showed that retention of health workers in the three settlements was associated with better conditions of service like increased allowances and salaries. Key words: health care, motivation, leprosy, incentive, settlement, and salary