Factors influencing attrition of health professionals in the Upper East Region of Northern Ghana
Abstract Introduction Despite the high healthcare needs in rural regions in Ghana, it is a challenge for health managers to attract and retain healthcare professionals in these regions including the Upper East Region, which negatively affects health service delivery. This study investigated factors...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMC
2025-08-01
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| Series: | BMC Health Services Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-13210-w |
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| Summary: | Abstract Introduction Despite the high healthcare needs in rural regions in Ghana, it is a challenge for health managers to attract and retain healthcare professionals in these regions including the Upper East Region, which negatively affects health service delivery. This study investigated factors contributing to attrition of health professionals in the Upper East Region of Northern Ghana. Methodology The study used a qualitative research approach where 92 in-depth interviews were conducted with participants between June and August, 2023. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and coded into themes using QSR Nvivo 12 software before thematic content analysis. Results Participants agreed that health worker attrition in the Upper East Region was a problem. Difficulty for health workers to obtain study leave for further studies, administrative lapses, linked with lack of respect and appreciation, family issues and poor working conditions were the main factors contributing to health worker attrition. However, health worker motivation, approval of study leave for qualified health staff, provision of medical equipment/ logistics and health managers showing respect and appreciation to frontline healthcare workers were strategies recommended by participants to address health worker attrition. Conclusion Views shared by stakeholders in our study suggest that health worker attrition is a serious issue affecting service delivery in the Upper East Region. Thus, it is important for health managers to implement appropriate strategies including those recommended in this study towards addressing the issue, to improve healthcare. |
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| ISSN: | 1472-6963 |