Factors affecting retention of health professionals in the Upper West Region of Ghana

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.