Perceptions Of Health Workers Regarding The Occupational Health Services At Onandjokwe Hospital, Namibia

Subscribe to access this work and thousands more

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to determine the challenges facing health workers regarding the occupational health services (OHS) at Onandjokwe Hospital. The objectives of the study were to determine the existing situation relating to the OHS rendered at Onandjokwe Hospital and to describe and explore the perceptions of health workers regarding OHS at the hospital. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative methodology that included the use of a checklist, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Epi-info software version 3.5.1 was used to analyse the quantitative data for the first objective and contextual analysis was used to address the second objective for the qualitative data. The study revealed that the provision of OHS in the hospital was extremely limited and many key documents guiding the provision of effective OHS were found to be lacking in several hospital departments. There was low awareness on OHS among employees in the hospital and only limited training had been conducted. Both management and staff cited lack of key personnel to drive the process as an important impediment to strengthening OHS in the hospital. The main recommendations that arose from the research include the need for management to acquire key guiding documents and ensure their availability in all departments; the appointment of key staff including OHS nurses; the budgeting for and provision of necessary resources for OHS; and training and awareness creation among staff members.

Subscribe to access this work and thousands more