Influence of Career Growth on Retention of Nurses In Public Primary Health Facilities in Lilongwe District, Malawi

Abstract

Introduction:Retention of nurses is a very big challenge all over the world, especially in Africa. Malawi too is no exception, particularly Lilongwe District, despite the efforts of the government to provide good working condition for health workers.The broad objective of this study was to determine how career growth influences retention of nurses in public primary health facilities in Lilongwe District.The specific objectives were to establish the influence of training and promotion on the retention of nurses in public primary health facilities. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used with quantitative and qualitative approaches to collect data. The study included 130 nurses and five principal nursing officers from five public primary health facilities in Lilongwe District in Malawi. Only the five public primary health facilities with the highest patient volume were included in the study sample. Census was used to determine the study sample. Data was collected using structured questionnaire and a key informant Interview guide. Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science software version 23. Results: The study established that training and promotion influences retention of nurses in primary public health facilities in Lilongwe District. The bivariate linear correlation analysis indicated a significant positive influence of training on nurses retention (r = .691, P < 0.001), and a significant positive influence of promotion on retention of nurses (r = .719, P < 0.001). Results from multiple regression analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between career growth and nurses retention. Overall, promotion at work place had more influence on nurses’ retention in primary health facilities. Conclusion:The study recommends that managers in public primary health facilities enforce health quality management policy to promote training and upgrading of nurses. In addition, managers in primary public health facilities should provide career growth opportunities for nurses through on job training and promotions.