Positive Deviants: Analysis of the Determinants of l Ng Period Serve in Remote Areas in Burkina Faso

The difficulty to retain health workers in remote areas is one characteristic of health workers crisis in Burkina Faso. However, a minority of staff accept to serve in these remote areas over a long period. This study focuses on these staff and aims to identify what motivate the long period serve in remote areas.

Method

This is a cross-sectional study focusing on a largely qualitative approach in three remote regions (Est- South West-Sahel). In each region, we identify the most remote district where in-depth interviews were conducted with staff who serves there more than 5 years.  We also interviewed representatives of local community health, district responsible, and the members of health center management committees (COGES). .

Data were recorded, then transcribed and typed with MSWord.  A thematic content analysis was performed with QSR NVIVO 8.

Result

For the three regions, fourth-five health workers were identified and interviewed. Cultural, economic and career are factors motivate for retention in these remote region.

For the cultural perspective, speaking the local language is a factor of integration in the community, and a major factor/condition of retention in the region.

At the economic level, those who had projects of investment (agriculture – breeding)  in these areas found a climate and grounds favorable to the implementation of their projects. The success of the investments constitutes a factor of retention.

Lastly, to have administrative responsibilities at health centers or in district staff is a major factor of retention.