On-job Training Research Articles

The Implications of On-Job Training on the Performance of Faith Based Organizations: Focus on Divine Holistic Ministries, Uganda

The Implications of On-Job Training on the Performance of Faith Based Organizations: Focus on Divine Holistic Ministries, Uganda

On-Job Training and Quality Service Delivery: Experience from the National Food Reserve Agency in Tanzania

On-Job Training and Quality Service Delivery: Experience from the National Food Reserve Agency in Tanzania

The adaptability of rural healthcare workers' knowledge, skills, and attitudes during public health emergencies: insights from the COVID-19 response in Itilima district, Simiyu, Tanzania

IntroductionCommunity Health Workers (CHWs) are the first contact between the community and health services in multiple rural areas in Tanzania. Therefore, Community Health Workers are set to play a crucial role in emergencies and disasters. This cross-sectional study assessed the readiness of CHWs in Itilima concerning preventing the spread of COVID-19.MethodsA total of 190 CHWs and 30 stakeholders were interviewed using quantitative and qualitative methods, respectively. Multivariate linear regression model was used for quantitative data while thematic analysis was used for qualitative data.ResultsThe study revealed that 140/190 (73%) CHWs had adequate knowledge of COVID-19, with 126/190 (66.32%) after receiving on-job training on COVID-19. There was no association between demographic characteristics and CHWs' knowledge of COVID-19. In-depth interviews (IDIs) highlighted that the majority of the CHWs were equipped with PPEs and other working tools to aid their role in response to COVID-19. Challenges such as incentive inadequacy and insufficient working tools were among the major setbacks highlighted by the CHWs during the IDIs.ConclusionCHWs appear to be adaptable and provide relevant feedback thus can take part in emergencies and disasters when capacity building is done.

The Delay and Failure of ICT Related Projects: Empirical Impediments in Ministries, Departments and Agencies in Tanzania

This study investigates impediments to ICT project success in MDAs in Tanzania. The study is carried using descriptive design and is carried in Dodoma and Dar es salaam with five big organizations implementing ICT projects which acted as representative of the rest. Such organizations include Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), TAMISEMI, Electronic Government Agency (eGA), Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) and Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA). Data is collected through the use of questionnaire and analysed descriptively by the use of IBM SPSS version 20. Findings disclose that presence of inadequate staff with limited skilled, lack of up to date and supporting ICT infrastructure coupled with limited financial resources lead to ICT project failure. Based on these findings, the researcher concludes that, adequate skilled staff availed with the required facilities and funded effectively lead to ICT project success or otherwise. It is therefore recommended that meritocratic staffing be implemented but still on-job trainings should be emphasized as well. In the same vein, the researcher recommends the government to set sufficient budget to obtain the required ICT equipment for better project performance.

Moving Up Trainees’ Motivation for Using On-job Training: Relationship between Leaders’ Support and Trainees’ Motivation for Learning

"Research Aims: This study examined the relationship between leaders’ support and trainees’ learning outcomes and the relationship between leaders’ support, trainees’ motivation for learning, and trainees’ motivation for using on-job training. Design/Methodology/Approach: A cross-sectional research design was employed to collect 226 self-report questionnaires from employees at military healthcare organisations in Peninsular Malaysia. The SmartPLS was used to assess the quality of the measurement model and test the structural model. Research Findings: This study confirmed that trainees’ motivation for learning is an essential mediating construct in the relationship between leaders’ support and trainees’ motivation for using on-job training. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: This study disclosed that trainees’ motivation for learning can indirectly affect the relationship between leaders’ support and trainee’s motivation to use on-job training. This outcome was consistent with and extended the prior studies conducted in Southeast Asia and other countries. Managerial Implication in the South East Asian context: The findings can help leaders understand the multidimensional perspectives of trainees’ motivation for learning construct and the importance of leaders and members at various hierarchical levels to maintain and enhance their organisational performance and competitiveness in 21st-century globalisation and uncertainty economy. Research Limitations & Implications: Methodological and conceptual constraints must be considered to improve future studies."

Partograph utilization is associated with educational status of obstetrics care givers in Ilu Aba Bor Zone, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Background: Worldwide, several thousands of mothers die every year due to pregnancy and birth related complications. Most of maternal deaths can be minimized by using partograph routinely. However, the level of utilization and associated factors among obstetrics care providers in Ilu Aba Bor Zone has been barely known. Objective: This study assessed the level of partograph utilization and its predictors among obstetric care givers working in public health institutions of Ilu Aba Bor Zone, South West Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study design was employed. A structured self-administered and pretested questionnaire adapted from available literatures were used. In addition to descriptive statistics, logistic regression analysis was applied to assess association. Results: The level of partograph utilization among obstetrics care providers in the study area was 32.8%. Receiving on-job training on partograph (AOR (Adjusted Odds Ratio) = 2.21, 95%CI (Confidence Interval) = 1.19, 4.11), working in a hospital compared to working in a health center (AOR = 2.43, 95%CI = 1.01, 5.82), having BSc (Bachelor of Science) and above educational status in contrast to having Diploma (AOR = 3.12, 95%CI = 1.59, 6.12), and having partograph in a health facility (AOR= 4.19, 95%CI = 2.12, 8.29) were positively associated with partograph use. Conclusions: Partograph utilization level was much lower than World Health Organization recommendation. On-job training on partograph, work place, educational status, and partograph availability were predictors of level of partograph utilization among the obstetric care givers.

Nurses’ perceptions of the obstacles and supportive behaviors of end-of-life care in intensive care units

PurposeThis study examined the Jordanian registered nurses’ perceptions of the obstacles and supportive behaviors of End-of-Life Care in Intensive Care Units and examined the differences in the concepts based on the samples’ demographics. MethodsA cross-sectional and comparative study was conducted using a convenience sample of 230 Intensive Care Unit registered nurses in Jordan. Data were analyzed descriptively, and differences were measured using the independent sample t-test, the one-way Analysis of Variance, and Scheffe’s post hoc test. ResultsThe registered nurses’ scored moderately on obstacles (74.98 ± 14.54) and supportive behaviors (69.22 ± 4.84). The commonly perceived obstacle and supportive behaviors to End-of-Life Care in Intensive Care Units s were reported. The perceived obstacles differ based on the registered nurses’ certification as an Intensive Care Units nurse (3.04 ± 0.58 vs. 2.74 ± 0.49, p = 0.008), type of Intensive Care Unit (3.28 ± 0.34 vs. 2.86 ± 0.62, p < 0.001), type of facility (3.16 ± 0.59 vs. 2.77 ± 0.61, p < 0.001), number of beds in the unit (3.07 ± 0.48 vs. 2.69 ± 0.48, p = 0.020), and the number of hours worked per week (3.06 ± 0.56 vs. 2.81 ± 0.60, p = 0.005). In contrast, supportive behaviors only differ based on the registered nurses’ age (3.22 ± 0.69 vs. 2.90 ± 0.64, p = 0.019). ConclusionsThe common End-of-Life Care perceived obstacle in Intensive Care Units was the lack of nursing education and training regarding the studies concept, which warrants immediate intervention such as on-job training. The common End-of-Life Care perceived supportive behavior in Intensive Care Units was when family members accepted that the patient was dying when nurses offered support to family members; motivational interventions are needed to sustain such behavior. Differences in the perceived obstacles and supportive behaviors should be leveraged for the benefit of patients, nurses, and hospitals.

Opportunities and challenges on hospital preparedness to handle motorcycle accidents in Busia County, Kenya: an exploratory qualitative study.

motorcycles continue to be a popular mode of transport in Kenya. However, the related injuries cause significant morbidity and mortality and remain to be a major and neglected public health issue. This raised the crucial need for hospital preparedness in managing morbidities and in reducing mortalities. This formed the basis of this paper which aims to document the challenges and opportunities in the healthcare system in handling motorcycle accidents in a Kenyan border town in Busia County. we drew data from an exploratory qualitative study that was carried out in 2021. All six referral hospitals purposively included in the study. The study targeted a total of 25 top level facility managers as key informants on the facility level opportunities and challenges in handling motorcycle accidents. Descriptive data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. the hospitals were not well prepared to handle motorcycle accidents. The major challenges were understaffing in critical care services; inadequate/lack of equipment to handle motorcycle injuries; inadequate/lack of infrastructure i.e. surgical wards, emergency rooms, inadequate space, functional theatre; lack/inadequate supplies; overstretched referral services arising from the hinge burden of motorcycle accidents in the area; inadequate specialized personnel to provide trauma/care services; mishandling of cases at the site of accident; inability of victims to pay related bills; inappropriate identification of victims at the facility; lack/inadequate on-job training. Some opportunities that currently exist include health system interventions which are not limited to employment of more professionals, improvement of infrastructure, provision of equipment and increase of budgetary allocation. the study reveals vast challenges that are faced by hospitals in managing patients. This calls for the government to step in and capitalize on the proposed opportunities by the health managers to be able to manage morbidities and bring down mortalities due to motorcycle accidents.

Training health care providers to administer VIA as a screening test for cervical cancer: a systematic review of essential training components

BackgroundTraining health care providers to administer visual inspection after application of acetic acid (VIA) is paramount in improving cervical cancer screening services for women in low- and middle-income countries. The objective of this systematic review was to create a framework of essential VIA training components and provide illustrating examples of how VIA training programs can be carried out in different clinical settings.MethodsA systematic review of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science (from 2006 to 2021) was undertaken. Our inclusion criteria comprised articles reporting on implemented cervical cancer screening programs using VIA in a screen-and-treat approach. Trained health care providers with any level of health education were included, and the outcome of interest was the reporting of training components. Data were extracted by two reviewers, and a narrative synthesis of the training programs was performed. We developed a framework of seven essential training components and applied it to assess how training courses were conducted in different settings.Results13 primary studies were eligible for inclusion, including 2,722 trained health care providers and 342,889 screened women. Most training courses lasted 5–7 days and included theoretical education, practical skill development, and competence assessment. It was unclear how visual aids and training in client counselling and quality assessment were integrated in the training courses. After the training course, nearly all the VIA training programs made provisions for on-job training at the providers’ own clinical settings through supervision, feedback, and refresher training.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the feasibility of implementing international training recommendations for cervical cancer screening in real-world settings and provides valuable examples of training program implementation across various clinical settings. The diverse reporting practices of quality indicators in different studies hinder the establishment of direct links between these data and training program effectiveness. To enhance future reporting, authors should emphasize specific training components, delivery methods, and contextual factors. Standardized reporting of quality indicators for effective evaluation of VIA training programs is recommended, fostering comparability, facilitating research, and enhancing reporting quality in this field.

Nurses’ perceptions of the obstacles and supportive behaviors of end-of-life care in intensive care units

PurposeThis study examined the Jordanian registered nurses’ perceptions of the obstacles and supportive behaviors of End-of-Life Care in Intensive Care Units and examined the differences in the concepts based on the samples’ demographics. MethodsA cross-sectional and comparative study was conducted using a convenience sample of 230 Intensive Care Unit registered nurses in Jordan. Data were analyzed descriptively, and differences were measured using the independent sample t-test, the one-way Analysis of Variance, and Scheffe’s post hoc test. ResultsThe registered nurses’ scored moderately on obstacles (74.98 ± 14.54) and supportive behaviors (69.22 ± 4.84). The commonly perceived obstacle and supportive behaviors to End-of-Life Care in Intensive Care Units s were reported. The perceived obstacles differ based on the registered nurses’ certification as an Intensive Care Units nurse (3.04 ± 0.58 vs. 2.74 ± 0.49, p = 0.008), type of Intensive Care Unit (3.28 ± 0.34 vs. 2.86 ± 0.62, p < 0.001), type of facility (3.16 ± 0.59 vs. 2.77 ± 0.61, p < 0.001), number of beds in the unit (3.07 ± 0.48 vs. 2.69 ± 0.48, p = 0.020), and the number of hours worked per week (3.06 ± 0.56 vs. 2.81 ± 0.60, p = 0.005). In contrast, supportive behaviors only differ based on the registered nurses’ age (3.22 ± 0.69 vs. 2.90 ± 0.64, p = 0.019). ConclusionsThe common End-of-Life Care perceived obstacle in Intensive Care Units was the lack of nursing education and training regarding the studies concept, which warrants immediate intervention such as on-job training. The common End-of-Life Care perceived supportive behavior in Intensive Care Units was when family members accepted that the patient was dying when nurses offered support to family members; motivational interventions are needed to sustain such behavior. Differences in the perceived obstacles and supportive behaviors should be leveraged for the benefit of patients, nurses, and hospitals.

Technological Factors Influencing the Quality of Data for the Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Program in Selected Health Facilities in Siaya County, Kenya

The voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) program has been going on since 2008 with limited studies on the quality of data which is defined as data’s fitness to serve its intended purpose. The study sought to assess technological factors influencing the quality of VMMC program data in Siaya County in terms of data timeliness, accuracy, and completeness. Completeness is measured by describing whether a value for a given data element from a facility was available in the information system. Timeliness is measured by the date when data was submitted to the information system compared to the expected submission date. Accuracy is measured by recorded data in Kenya Health Information System (KHIS) with data collected from facility registers. Out of 224 health facilities sampled, 202 responded (90.1% response rate). Questionnaires and Records checklists were administered online to respondents, and Key informant interviews were done with the County team. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) analysed quantitative data using measures of central tendencies and measures of dispersion. Pearson chi-square determined associations at a 95% confidence interval and P-value &gt;=0.05. Data Quality Index (DQI) was calculated by aggregating all scores for timelines, accuracy, and completeness. Good data scored 1=Yes across the three variables, and poor data scored a 0- No for either of the three. Using DQI, 29.7% had good data quality. The proportion of the respondents who agreed that staff are trained in Electronic Medical Records (EMR) System (64.2%) was significantly associated with good data quality than those who did not (χ2 =9.10, df=1, p-value=0.01). Key informants reported that staff are trained on VMMC indicators through on-job training (OJT). In conclusion, EMR ensures that all the data in the KHIS is used for planning and decision-making at County and National levels and recommends that health records officers are trained effectively to improve reporting

Healthcare waste management practice and associated factors among healthcare workers in public healthcare facilities of Southwest Shewa Zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia.

Poor management of waste can cause serious disease to healthcare personnel, cleaners, waste handlers, patients and the public. An observation-supported cross-sectional study was conducted to assess healthcare waste (HCW) management practice and professional, management and resource availability-associated factors among healthcare workers of 23 public health facilities in Southwest Shewa Zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia, 2021. A total of 424 health workers participated in this study. The level of proper healthcare waste management (HCWM) practice was 38.4%. Lack of knowledge on different methods of healthcare waste treatment (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.101, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.042, 0.242, p < 0.05)), lack of knowledge about the types of healthcare waste (AOR: 0.136, 95% CI (0.039, 0.481, p < 0.05)), lack of knowledge on the use of different colour-coded waste bin and safety box (AOR: 0.145, 95% CI (0.040, 0.520, p < 0.05)), and healthcare workers who had no training/orientation on HCWM practice (AOR: 0.396, 95% CI (0.245, 0.639, p < 0.05)) were less likely to practice effective HCWM compared to their counterparts. The current HCWM practices in studied health facilities was inadequate. Professional knowledge and availability of training were independently associated with HCWM practice. Therefore, regular orientation during employment and on-job training on HCWM practice, regular monitoring and supervision of HCWM are important. Further research should be conducted on the area of HCWM, and its associated environmental impacts by using more strong methods and wider health facilities.

An assessment of the effect of training and development on employee performance: A review perspective

Training is generally considered as tool which is used to enhance individual skills, knowledge and abilities of a resource, and to enable that person to understand certain aspects of business. Training and Resource Development, when combined together with other practices directly affect the quality of HR outcomes, which eventually results in firm’s higher performance. Need for a training program arises whenever there is a gap between the desired and actual performance of the employees. Usually the senior management of a company tries to fill this skill gap by opting for ‘On-job training’. Training is defined as ‘Planned intervention that is designed to enhance the determinants of individual job performance’ Training sessions help employees in reducing frustration and anxiety which is created by heavy workloads and also enables them to handle this effectively. Modern organizations have realized the importance of Human Resource Development (HRD), and have begun to use on-job training as a tool for increasing employee satisfaction. It is indeed the responsibility of the senior management of any organization to understand not only the apparent but also the ‘hidden’ needs of their employees. Generally are three types of trainings: On-Job training, Off-Job Training, and apprenticeship training. It is against this backdrop that this study intends to explore the essence of training and development on employee performance.

EXAMINING THE INFLUENCE OF ON-JOB TRAINING (OJT) ON STUDENT LEARNING: A STUDY FOCUSING ON THE 6TH COHORT OF THE DIPLOMA IN MATERIALS AND PROCUREMENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AT JIGME NAMGYEL ENGINEERING COLLEGE IN DEWATHANG

Embarking on a comprehensive exploration, this study delves into the captivating realm of On-Job Training (OJT) and its profound impact on student learning within the context of the 6th cohort of the Diploma in Materials and Procurement Management program at Jigme Namgyel Engineering College in Dewathang. Although many claimed that such supervised training within a particular time frame (45 days) carried out either in the private sector or in government organizations provides skills, knowledge and experience, however, no prior study has been conducted by the college so far to assess its impacts. To assess the impact of On-Job Training (OJT) on the acquisition of practical skills, knowledge, and competencies among students in the 6th cohorts with a specific focus on their ability to apply theoretical concepts in real-world work environments is the main objective of the study. The purposive sampling method was used as the method of the research. This study used one set of questionnaires to discover supervisor’s perspectives of different organizations and student’s perspective. A total population size of 43 questionnaires (29 students and 14 workplace supervisors) were issued and all were returned. The data were analyzed using a Relative Index of Importance (RII) which provides a descriptive interpretation of the most important variables in this research. It was observed from the view of the organization that such training improved the student’s skills in formal and informal communication, help to find a research area for their projects, ability to socialize, and sustained the relationship. In the view of the students, It has been observed that the training improved the students’ confidence in tackling problems and provides the need for continuous learning. Also, observed that inadequate duration and insufficient stipend were the major concerns students expressed during their internship. It has been concluded that industrial experience gained from the OJT help to improve the student’s ability and knowledge gained which can provide the basis for a successful career after graduation from college. It was recommended that OJT should be seen as a tool to improve students’ abilities.

Healthcare Workers' Perceptions on the "SaferBirths Bundle of Care": A Qualitative Study.

Background: SaferBirths Bundle of Care (SBBC) is a package of innovative clinical and training tools coupled with low-dose high-frequency simulation-based on-job training guided by local data. This bundle of care is a new initiative being implemented in 30 health facilities from five regions of Tanzania aiming at improving birth outcomes. Objective: To assess the perception of healthcare workers and facility leaders on the "SaferBirths Bundle of Care" towards saving women's and newborns' lives at birth. Method: We used a qualitative approach using focused group discussion (FGD) and individual interviews. A total of 21 FGD and 43 individual interviews were conducted between August and November 2022. In total, 94 midwives and 12 doctors were involved, some of whom were in leadership roles. The framework method for the analysis of qualitative data was used for analysis. Results: Healthcare workers and facility leaders received the bundle well and regarded it as effective in saving lives and improving healthcare provision. Five themes emerged as facilitators to the acceptance of the bundle: (1) the bundle is appropriate to our needs, (2) the training modality and data use fit our context, (3) use of champions and periodic mentorship, (4) learning from our mistakes, and (5) clinical and training tools are of high quality but can be further improved. Conclusion: The relevance of SaferBirths Bundle of Care in addressing maternal and perinatal deaths, the quality and modality of training, and the culture that enhances learning from mistakes were among the facilitators of the acceptability of the SBBC. A well-accepted intervention has huge potential for bringing the intended impact in health provision.

Prevalence of Episiotomy and Factors Associated with Its Practice in Three Teaching Hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background: Episiotomy is a surgical incision into the perineum and posterior vaginal wall during the second stage of labor to increase the diameter of the soft tissue pelvic outlet to facilitate delivery. Episiotomy rates vary from population to population. Limited information exists related to the practice of episiotomy in Ethiopia. Objective: To assess the prevalence of episiotomy practice and associated factors at three teaching hospitals (Tikur Anbessa Hospital, Gandhi Memorial Hospital, and Zewditu Memorial Hospital) in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. Method and Materials: Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2022 to March 2022 on 386 mothers who had a vaginal delivery in the three hospitals. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The data was entered, coded, and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. P value ? 0.05 was used to determine the level of statistically significant variables. Results: The prevalence of episiotomy was 49%. Age ?24 years (AOR=0.17, 95%CI=0.055, 0.52), operative vagainal delivery (vacuum AOR=3.1, 95%CI=1.50,18.67 and forceps AOR=3.5, 95%CI=1.87, 11.06), duration of second stage of labor ?2HR (AOR=3.5, 95%CI=1.87, 11.06), birth weight of newborn ?4000 grams (AOR=5.3, 95%CI=95%CI, 1.28, 22.02) and FGM (AOR=2.8, 95%CI=1.64, 4.94) were factors significantly associated with episiotomy practice. Conclusion: The prevalence of episiotomy in this study (49%) is higher than the WHO’s recommendation (10%). Variables that remained associated significantly with episiotomy were maternal age, instrument delivery, duration of the second stage of labor ?2HR, newborn weighing ?4000 grams, and FGM. An effort should be made to reduce the prevalence of episiotomy by adhering to the correct indications and preparing periodic on-job training regarding the indication of episiotomy to all obstetric care providers.

Do different types of vocational education and training programmes influence earnings? Recent evidence from India

PurposeIndian government initiated several skill development policies and different types of vocational education and training (VET). Yet the participation in skill education is low because of poor labour market outcomes. This paper aims to calculate returns to skill education to understand the type of training that will have better labour market outcomes.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper nationally representative data from the periodic labour force survey (PLFS), collected by the national sample survey office for 2017–2018, are used to estimate the returns to formal and non-formal VET obtained (after different levels of general education) with the help of Heckman's two-stage method.FindingsNearly 8% of the working-age population has received some form of VET (mostly non-formal), generating poor returns. For the overall population, formal on-job training (OJT) and full-time VET influence wage positively and significantly. Full-time VET obtained after secondary and below levels of education generates positive returns, whereas part-time VET is profitable only to those without formal education. At the graduate level, technical education obtained along with VET is associated with better wages.Originality/valueIn India where a considerable proportion of the workforce is employed in the informal sector, different types of skill training like full-time, part-time and OJT influence labour market outcomes. This finding has policy implication for countries with large informal sector and calls for further research in such countries.

Midwives’ perceptions towards the ministry of health guidelines for the provision of immediate postpartum care in rural health facilities in Uganda

BackgroundGuidelines for clinical practice have been part of the Ministry of health’s efforts to improve the quality of care for over two decades. Their benefits have been documented in Uganda. However, having practice guidelines may not always result in their use in care provision. We explored the midwives’ perceptions towards the ministry of health guidelines for providing immediate postpartum care.MethodsAn exploratory descriptive qualitative study was conducted in three districts in Uganda from September 2020 to January 2021. In-depth interviews with 50 midwives from 35 health centers and 2 hospitals in Mpigi, Butambala, and Gomba districts were done. Thematic analysis of data was done.ResultsThree themes emerged; awareness and use of the guidelines, perceived drivers, and perceived barriers to the provision of immediate postpartum care. The subthemes for theme I included; awareness of the guidelines, variations in the postpartum care practices, variations in preparedness to manage women with complications, and varied access to continuing midwifery education. Fear of complications and litigation were the perceived drivers of guideline use. On the other hand, lack of knowledge, busy maternity units, organization of the care, and the midwives’ perceptions about their clients were the barriers to guideline use. Midwives felt that new guidelines and policies regarding immediate postpartum care should be disseminated widely.ConclusionThe midwives felt that the guidelines were good for the prevention of postpartum complications but their knowledge of the guidelines for the provision of immediate postpartum care was suboptimal. They desired on-job training and mentorship to help them bridge the knowledge gaps. Variations in patient assessment, monitoring, and pre-discharge care were acknowledged and said to be due to a poor reading culture and health facility factors like patient-midwife ratios, unit setup, and prioritization of labor.

Level of job satisfaction and associated factors among rural health extension workers in Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia

BackgroundThe improvement of various health outcomes, including the reduction of maternal, neonatal, infant, and child mortality as well as the increased use of maternity and newborn health services, was significantly assisted by rural health extension workers. Implementing health extension programs and offering the community high-quality healthcare services requires job satisfaction. In the study area, there has been little research on job satisfaction and related variables. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree of job satisfaction among rural health extension workers in the Hadiya zone, Southern Ethiopia, as well as associated factors.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 262 rural health extension workers from May 30, 2021, to July 02, 2021. A simple random sampling method was used to select six rural districts. Data were gathered utilizing structured interviewer-administered questions and skilled data collectors. EpiData V4.4.1 was used to store the data, and SPSS Version 25 was used for analysis. To determine the relationship between the variables, bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used. The association was reported using the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI), and the significance level was set at a p-value of 0.05.ResultsThis study showed that 52.7% of rural health extension workers were satisfied with their jobs. Support from Keble leaders [AOR = 5.3; 95% CI (2.6, 11.1)], on-job training [AOR = 5.7, 95% CI (2.2, 14.9)], supportive supervision [AOR = 4.3; 95% CI (1.7, 10.8)] and reward or recognition [AOR = 7.4, 95% CI (3.0, 18.1)] were factors that associated with job satisfaction of health extension workers.ConclusionAccording to this study, more than half of rural health extension workers were happy with their jobs. Health extension workers’ job satisfaction was affected by support from keble leaders, supportive supervision, on-the-job training, and recognition and rewards. In order to increase the happiness of the health extension workers, supporting supervision must be strengthened and the best performers must be recognized.

Challenges and commonly used countermeasures in the implementation of lifelong antiretroviral therapy for PMTCT in Central Uganda: Health providers' perspective.

Uganda has implemented lifelong antiretroviral therapy for the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission since September 2012. Implementation of this strategy has been met with health provider and client challenges which have persisted up to date. This study explored providers' perspectives on the challenges and countermeasures of the implementation and scale-up of lifelong ART among pregnant and breastfeeding women. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted whereby 54 purposively selected participants from six facilities in three districts of Central Uganda namely; Masaka, Mityana, and Luwero were recruited. A key informant interview guide was used to collect data from the study participants. The data were thematically analysed using Atlas-ti, Version 7. Study participants reported challenges under the themes of 1) inadequacy of HIV service delivery (lack of relevant training, health provider shortages, inadequate counselling, stock-outs of essential HIV commodities); 2) Non-utilization of HIV services (Non-disclosure of HIV- positive results, denial of HIV positive results, fear to be followed up, unwillingness to be referred, large catchment area, lack of transport); and 3) Suboptimal treatment adherence (fear of ART side effects, preference for traditional medicines, low male partner involvement in care and treatment). Strategies such as on-job training, mentorship, task shifting, redistribution of HIV commodities across facilities, accompanying of women to mother-baby care points, ongoing counseling of women, peers, and family support groups were commonly used countermeasures. This study highlights key challenges that health providers face in implementing lifelong antiretroviral therapy services among pregnant and postpartum women. Context-specific, innovative, and multilevel system interventions are required at national, district, health facility, community and individual levels to scale up and sustain the lifelong antiretroviral therapy strategy among pregnant and breastfeeding women.