Abstract:
Background:An effectively prepared and continually updated workforce of health professionals
is essential to maintenance and improvement in patient care. The major goal of continuing
education is to improve and promote quality care. Continuing education is also important to an
organization’s strategic plan because of its positive influence on the quality of care provided.
The purpose of this study was to identify the determinants of and opportunities for continuing
education among health care professionals at public health facilities in Jimma township.
Methods:A cross-sectional study of 319 health care professionals working in the public health
facilities of Jimma township was conducted from January 10, 2012 to February 28, 2012. A selfadministered questionnaire was used to collect the data. First, descriptive analysis was done to
describe the characteristics of the study participants. Finally logistic regression was then used
to determine the independent predictors of continuing education.
Results: Only 70 (25%) of the study participants were participating in continuing education. As
working experience increased, participation in continuing education did not steadily increase.
The working hours per week were higher for diploma holders than for those with any other
qualification. One hundred and fifty-three (71.8%) participants mentioned lack of support
from their current employer as the reason for not participating in continuing education. Health
care professionals with a lack of support from management were 2.4 times more likely not to
participate in advanced education. Health care professionals with lack of funding were 0.3 times
less likely to participate in advanced education. Health care professionals with lack of resources
other than financial were 2.2 times more likely not to participate in advanced education.
Conclusion: Participation of health care professionals in continuing education is low in
Jimma township. The hospital management and town health office should support health care
professionals in pursuing advanced education.
