Retention of Human Resources for Health in the Decentralised Health System in Tanzania: Does Training matter?

Abstract

Employee retention is crucial for enhancing organisational performance, particularly in the healthcare sector, which faces a global shortage of workers. This study examines the influence of training on the retention of human resources for health within the decentralised health system of Dodoma City, Tanzania. The research employs a mixed-methods approach to collect quantitive data from 230 human resources for health and qualitative data from key informants. Quantitative data collected through survey questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. Qualitative data from interviews were analysed using content analysis to complement the quantitative findings.The study revealed  that retention among human resources for health in the decentralised system under the LGAs is high.Moreover, the findings revealed that training significantly influences employee retention, with skills acquisition, knowledge acquisition, training opportunities, and training duration all positively associated with retention rates. The findings underscore the importance of continuous professional development and training programs in retaining healthcare workers under LGAs. The study recommends that local government authorities prioritise employee training to improve retention and enhance the overall quality of healthcare services. Further research should explore additional factors influencing retention and expand the study to other regions in Tanzania for broader generalizability.