| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors influencing retention of health
professionals in Garissa District. The study was guided by four objectives which were
concerned with the factors influencing attraction, motivation and retention of health
professionals in Garissa County; factors investigated included security factors, economic
factors as well as political factors. The study employed is surveyed research design and
data was collected by use of questionnaire and focus group discussion (FGD). Garissa
level five hospital was purposely selected due to the mix and number of health
professional and departments. The researcher adopted 10% of total population which was
targeted by the study. The population consisted of 390 health professionals working
within Garissa District and sample size was 39 respondents. Data was analyzed using
SPSS and was presented using table, percentages and figures.
From the study, majority are exposed to attacks, inadequate lighting in the area of
residence and work, lack of enough security personnel influence retention of health
workers in the county. The economic factors influencing retention of health workers
included the current civil servants benefits, hardship allowance, housing, leave and
remission of beneficial deductions like insurance premiums, NHIF and health
professional fees to health associations in time in the devolution arrangement. Political
factors influencing retention of health workers include political interference in
discharging duties both in national and county levels and segregation by virtue of
ethnicity.
The study concluded that retention of health professionals is influenced by demographic
factors, security factors, economic factors and political factors. If retention is to be
addressed the study recommends the improvement of security, motivation of health
workers and consideration into allowing health professionals to carry out their duties
independently without political interference. | en_US |
