Factors affecting work performance of health practitioners in Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Aim. This study aimed to explore factors influencing health practitioners’ work performance. This knowledge will facilitate development of appropriate support and education for health practitioners in delivering quality healthcare. Design and participants. A mixed method exploratory descriptive study using cross-sectional methodology was used to gather relevant data and obtain an overview from 60 health workers and 40 health managers in health facilities operated by the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. Survey questionnaire followed by selected unstructured interviews to gather data were used. Descriptive statistics, particularly the percentage and weighted mean (Wm) were used. Findings: Results showed that a typical health practitioner in Jazan, KSA has a mean age of 31.17 (health workers) and 28 (health managers). Majority are female (68.33% health workers; 85% health managers) and from other Asian countries. Most have Diploma in Nursing/Midwifery (46.67% health workers; 55% health managers) as educational qualification. Many of them are charge nurses (41.67%). The average number of years they have worked is 6.92 years for the health worker and 12.63 years for the health managers. The health workers showed agreement on the utilization of performance appraisal in their unit (Wm=3.66); however, they were uncertain on their appraisal regarding remuneration, benefits, and recognition (Wm=3.30) as well as uncertain on staffing and work schedules (Wm=3.01) and staff development (Wm=2.39). Factors affecting their work performance were generally intermediate in nature (Wm=2.39), but shortage of staff specifically was a major factor (Wm=3.27). They perceived the strategies to improve and maintain excellent performance as moderately needed (Wm=2.23). Health managers were often involved in management tasks (Wm=2.89) and they assessed their skills as “Good” (Wm=3.63). Conclusion. Many of the health practitioners in Jazan are predominantly younger, female expatriates. They encounter issues in their job and in management that may affect their work performance. Addressing these issues is necessary to assist their development and support work performance. The strategic plan developed from these results will support the education and training of these health practitioners and will be implemented and evaluated.