Factors associated with staffing of medical doctors and nurses in rural areas in Zambia

Abstract

To determine factors associated with staffing of doctors and nurses in rural health institutions in Zambia. A cross sectional study was conducted among qualified medical doctors and nurses, and student doctors and nurses. The study was done in all the three Central hospitals in Zambia (namely: Kitwe Central Hospital, Ndola Central Hospital, and the University Teaching Hospital), Kasama General Hospital, and Chinsali District Hospital. All doctors, nurses and students found at the stations at the time of interviews were requested to take part in the study. Willingness to work in rural areas for at least five years. Totals of 133 qualified staff (doctors and nurses) and 97 students were recruited into the study. Among practicing doctors and nurses, age and marital status were the only factors that were significantly associated with the outcome in a multivariate analysis. At each birthday qualified staff were 8% (OR=1.08, 95%CI [ 1.00,1.16], p=0.046) more likely to be willing to work in rural areas for at least five years. Qualified staff who were single were 55% (OR=0.45, 95%CI [0.21, 0.97], p=0.043) less likely to be willing to work in rural areas for at least five years compared to those who were married.