Monetary resource factors influencing strikes among healthcare workers in public hospitals in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Healthcare workers play a pivotal role in the delivery of essential medical services, and their commitment is critical for the overall functionality of public hospitals. However, persistent strikes among healthcare workers in public hospitals in Nairobi County, Kenya, pose a significant threat to the stability and effectiveness of the healthcare system. The consequences of these strikes are far-reaching, affecting the quality and accessibility of healthcare services, patient outcomes, and the overall reputation of the healthcare system. This research sought to evaluate the Monetary resource factors influencing strikes among healthcare workers in public hospitals in Nairobi County, Kenya. The research was conducted at Kenyatta National Teaching and Referral Hospital, Mbagathi Hospital, Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, Ngara Health Center, and Pumwani Maternity Hospital all located in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study employed a descriptive research design and the sampling frame involved 400 Healthcare workers. The study used semi-structured questionnaires with closed-ended items for data collection. The data processed using SPSS, version 26.0, software, and the level of significance was set at 0.05. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in data analysis. From the responses, most of the respondents as shown by 55.2% (191) were female. In terms of the age of the respondents in years, more than half of the respondents as shown by 55.8% (193) were aged 31-40 years. The study found that some of the significant monetary factors that influence strikes by HCWs comprise: salary status (X²(3,N=346)=39.248, p-value<0.001; OR = 3.610; CI = (2.072, 6.289)), status of allowances (X²(3,N=346)=63.457, p-value<0.001; OR = 2.835; CI = (1.692, 4.749)), status of extra work pay (X²(3,N=346)=10.183, p-value=0.017; OR = 1.472; CI = (0.892, 1.764)), and status of bonuses (X²(3,N=346)=59.382, p-values <0.001; OR = 1.708 and CI = (1.435, 2.155)). This study recommends that more resources should be set aside by the government to cater for salary increments, better allowances, and competitive bonuses.