Assessing the Welfare Issues Affecting Healthcare Providers A Study at the Ridge Hospital in Accra, Ghana

Abstract

Introduction: Quality healthcare is one of the vital factors in how a country perceives its quality of life making it one of the most crucial measure of socioeconomic development of any country. Health institutions, particularly in developing countries however encounter several challenges in providing quality healthcare to patients. The most significant among these challenges is supporting the welfare of the medical staff. In recent times, there have also been several industrial unrests in the health sector due to issues related to the welfare of healthcare professionals. Objective: The study aimed at identifying the welfare issues confronting healthcare providers at Ridge Hospital, Accra. It also examined the relationship between welfare issues and anxiety and depression. Methodology: The study was conducted using the quantitative cross-sectional survey. The study made use of a calculated sample size of 400 including both doctors and nurses at Ridge Hospital. The instrument used in collection of data was a questionnaire. The data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 and results tabulated using frequency distributed tables. The relationship between variables were examined using the Chi-square test at the 95% confidence level. Results: The results of the study revealed that the health workers at Ridge Hospital were not satisfied with health insurance provision for them and their families. Fifty-nine per cent (59%) of the health workers were satisfied with the shift system, 65% of the health workers were satisfied with study leave but 53% did not know off-duty allowance was a welfare issue. Most of the healthcare providers (53%) were not satisfied with the provision of health insurance to them and their families. a significant number of the healthcare providers were not satisfied. The study also revealed that the association between shift system, the health insurance, study leave, transportation allowance and anxiety among health workers was statistically significant. The study also revealed that there is a relationship between the shift system, the health insurance, study leave, transportation allowance and depression among health workers. Conclusion: The study recommended that the Ministry of Health, Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) should come up with a comprehensive health insurance package and address identified welfare issues for the health workers and their families so as to prevent anxiety and depression among health workers.