Abstract:
The primary objective of this study is to assess the factors influencing retention of
health professional in Upper West Region. The multistage sampling procedure
was used to select a sample of 126 health professionals. The study employed a
cross sectional study design. Primary data were collected using a self
administered questionnaire. The study employs both quantitative and qualitative
methods. Data were presented using descriptive statistics. Structural equation
modelling (SEM) was used to estimate the relative effects of retention factors on
retention decisions of health professional and also Friedman Rank Test was
employed to identify the most important strategies to improve retention. The
results from the estimations revealed that welfare benefits and working
environment were the variables influencing retention of health professionals in
Upper West Region. The study recommends provision of good and safe working
environment, improve living conditions and welfare benefits in order to make
health professionals posts professionally attractive so as to increase attraction and
retention of health workers into the region.
