Factors associated with the non-retention of health sector employees recruited in Iran: a survival analysis

Abstract

Background

Health staff are an essential component of the health system and a significant factor in improving health outcomes. As a result, without a suitable number of trained and supported workforces, health-related goals will not be achieved. As a result, one of the most significant tasks of the government and healthcare human resource management in healthcare organizations is focusing on development and maintenance of personnel.

Method

This study was a longitudinal and historical cohort study. Data was collected on the 40 medical universities and healthcare organizations under the jurisdiction of Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education from 2008 to 2018 from the human resources database. In this study the COX regression and survival analysis was used to assess the factors of staff maintenance, retention rate, and the risk of turnover.

Result

46,939 health workforces were included in the study, of which 13,328 (28.4%) were men and 33,611 (71.6%) were women. Based on the finding of cox regression model, the retention of staff were statistically different between male and female. Employees whose current work place and birthplace were similar had a significantly higher probability of retention. Accordingly, the cox regression result showed, the risk of employee turnover for single personnel was higher than the married ones.

Conclusion

an applicable policy for increasing maintenance among workforce recruitment, could be considering the native born professionals instead of non-natives born which reduce the costs of employee turnover, including re-hiring, initial and on-the-job training, housing, and other extra living expenses away from home and family.