Job Perceptions of Public Health Workforce in Rural Area of Yavatmal District, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Introduction: Being a primary source for health care delivery, public health personnel shall be well trained and motivated as their performance has a strong impact on overall health system performance. There is large gap in knowledge about determinants of motivation in Indian set-up; so the present study was undertaken to understand the perceptions of health workforce regarding their job conditions and their expectations. Material and methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted in District Yavatmal, Maharashtra, India. Total participants were 940 which included 96 medical officers (MOs) and 844 allied health personnels (AHPs). Data collection was completed using structured self-administered questionnaire. Results: Highest number of MOs mentioned ‘good working relationship’ (93 per cent) while among AHPs highest participant consider ‘training opportunity’ (88 per cent) as ‘more important attribute’. Among MOs difference between expected and availability of study attributes was statistically significant for 14 attributes but none in favour of availability. In AHP group, significantly higher proportion of respondents felt that good working relationships, good income, superior recognizing good work were considered as more important attributes by fewer respondents but significantly greater proportion of respondents in AHP group felt that these attributes were present in the job. Discussion and conclusions: Findings suggested that for MOs motivating factors in job was related to the independence in working and recognition from superiors and patients while AHPs’ main motivational force seemed to be recognition and clarity of work. Training opportunity and congenial environment at workplace were common desirable attributes. There were few attributes which majority of health workforce considered as ‘mostly available attribute’ in their present job which leaves much scope for improvement in job conditions for health workforce in rural area.