Abstract:
Background: Shortage of human power due to turnover of health workers has significantly
compromised the efficiency of delivery and quality of health services. Intention to leave
negatively affects the quality of work in the form of withdrawal, declining participation in a job,
predisposes to lateness, absenteeism, avoidance behaviour, and decreased performance by
affecting the commitment level of employees. The study was conducted in the zone since no
prior study was done in the zone and helps identify main factor that contribute for turnover.
Objectives: To assess turnover and intention to leave and associated factors among health
workers in Horo Guduru Wollega zone public health facilities.
Methods: The study was conducted in Horo Guduru Wollega zone from February 15 to 30/
2015. Institutional based Cross-sectional study design that used both quantitative and qualitative
method of data collection. A total of 362 randomly selected health professionals from one town
administrative and four woredas were included in the study. Data was collected by structured and
self-administered questionnaires that rated with 5-point Likert scale. The data was entered into
EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Descriptive, linear regression was
employed to analyze the data. Qualitative data was transcribed and analyzed in thematic areas
and then triangulated with quantitative data.
Result: The prevalence of turnover of health professionals were 19%. The main reason was
resignation (65%) followed by retirement. The majority 235(65%) of the health workers intent to
leave their current health institution, of these 193(82%) were from health center and 42 (18%)
from hospital. Furthermore, intention to leave was associated with professional category that
physicians are more intend to leave than nurse/midwife (β=0.916), service year in health sector
(β=0.474), and salary (β=-0.044) from respondents’ characteristics. Also, satisfaction with
management system factor score (β=-0.333), compensation and benefit (.134), work environment
factor score (β=0.138) were found to be affecting the intention to leave
Conclusion: Higher levels of level of intention to leave public health facilities were associated
salary of health professionals, professional category, satisfaction with management system, low
benefit and compensation, and working environment. Hence, we recommend that Horo guduru
wollega zone and Oromia regional health bureau should give attention for management and
working condition of health facilities as well as for benefits and compensation to retain health
workers. Ministry of health should increase salary of health professionals.
