Factors influencing attrition of health professionals in the Upper East Region of Northern Ghana

Introduction Despite the high healthcare needs in rural regions in Ghana, it is a challenge for health managers to attract and retain healthcare professionals in these regions including the Upper East Region largely due to ‘push’ factors such as enhanced employment opportunities and improved living conditions and ‘push’ factors such as low salaries and poor working conditions. This development negatively affects health service delivery in the area. Thus, this study investigated factors contributing to attrition of health professionals in the Upper East Region of Northern Ghana. Methodology The study used qualitative research approach where 92 in-depth interviews were conducted with participants between June and August, 2023. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and coded into themes using QSR Nvivo 12 software before thematic content analysis. Results Almost all health workers and managers agreed that health worker attrition in the Upper East Region was a problem. Difficulty for health workers to obtain study leave for further studies, administrative lapses, linked with lack of respect and appreciation from health managers, family issues and poor working conditions were the main factors contributing to health worker attrition in the Region. However, health workers motivation, approval of study leave for qualified health staff and provision of basic and necessary medical equipment and logistics as well as health managers showing respect and appreciation to frontline healthcare workers were strategies recommended by participants to address health worker attrition and also improve health service delivery in the area. Conclusion Views shared by stakeholders in our study suggest that health worker attrition in the study area is a serious issue affecting service delivery. Thus, it is important for health managers to take appropriate strategies including those recommended in this study towards addressing the issue to improve healthcare.