ANALYSIS OF PUSH AND PULL FACTORS OF NURSES IN THE UPPER WEST REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

Rural health facilities in Ghana are in severe shortage of nurses to provide quality and accessible healthcare to the rural folks. This has resulted in a high mortality rate in the rural communities. However, there is little knowledge as to the factors that push and pull nurses in rural health facilities in Ghana. The aim of this study is to examine the factors affecting the pull and push of nurses in rural Ghana. The study is a cross-sectional survey covering four rural districts in the Upper West Region of Ghana. A sample of 251 nurses was drawn through simple random sampling. The data were collected through a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages, Chi-square and Binary Logistic regression with a significance level of 5%. The study found that financial consideration, socio-economic infrastructure and professional advancement significantly impacted nurses' willingness to remain in rural health posts. The study further revealed that the average financial consideration and professional advancement of male nurses were higher than female nurses. Married nurses had more desire to pursue higher health professional education than single nurses. Improvement in socio-economic infrastructure in rural communities mattered to all nurses no matter their sex, age, marital status, religion and area of training. Government and other stakeholders in health care delivery should improve remuneration and provide avenues for professional advancement for nurses, especially male nurses in rural Ghana. Also, the socio-economic infrastructure in rural Ghana should be improved.