Public Health Volunteers Perspective on Motivation: An Assessment by Spotlight on Africa Uganda Foundation

Low motivation among workers across various institutions is one of the main problems affecting performance of public health volunteers. This study was aimed at identifying key factors attributed to motivation among Public Health Volunteers (PHVs) in Bukasakya and Namabasa sub counties in Mbale District in Uganda. The level of motivation was assessed in relation to each attribute used to measure satisfaction. The study considered various attributes to motivation and performance of health volunteers. A descriptive survey design was used, a questionnaire was administered among 139 respondents most of which were the PHVs. A questionnaire with Likert scale was developed and administered to the respondents. The attributes of motivation were then categorized into personal and organizational attributes. For the qualitative component, participants with varied responses in quantitative data were selected and interviewed. This study underscores the significance of different attributes of motivation. The results revealed that 99% of respondents had attended school, 80.58% were very happy to be PHVs, 84 % reported improved quality of life, 69% exhibited confidence, although 87% were not sure to volunteer again for the next coming 7-10 when they were asked. Over 70% were satisfied with incentives provided and partly attributed their motivation to these incentives. Generally, the respondents were very happy with the working conditions in the organization, in Health the facilities and in the community. In an arrangement where health facilities involve health volunteers in the activities, there is need to consider their motivation, while framing administrative strategies and policy guidelines.