A study to determine the factors associated with the inadequate staffing levels of nurses at UTH Lusaka, Zambia.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine factors associated to the inadequate nursing staffing levels at UTH. Data was collected from a sample of 50 respondents drawn from the hospital departments, comprising of 25 Enrolled Nurses, 15 Registered Nurses and 10 Ward Managers, A non-interventional descriptive qualitative and quantitative research design was used. An interview schedule was used to collect data. Data was processed and analysed manually using the data master sheet with the help of a pocket calculator. Diagrams and comparisons of proportions were used for quantitative data, while qualitative data was analysed according to themes. Literature for the study looked at the inadequate nursing staffing levels as a global problem hence information was obtained on a global, regional and national perspective. The results of the study showed that, 70% of the respondents had poor conditions of service. Majority of the respondents 56%, in this study indicated that lack of transport and inadequate accommodation has contributed largely to the migration of nurses from the institution leading, to inadequate levels of nursing staffs at the institution. The study also revealed that 72% of the respondents had unacceptable psychosocial status. This unsatisfactory psychosocial status has made to make most of the nurses not to be available for work there by contributing to the inadequate staffing levels of nurses at the institution.