Understanding the factors influencing health workers’ choice of workplace locations: a qualitative description of primary healthcare workers’ perspectives in Nigeria

Universal access to a qualified, skilled, motivated and equitably distributed health workforce is pertinent for the delivery of quality health services needed to achieve national health sector goals and sustainable development goals. However, there remains a shortage of health workers attributed to health workers’ choices of not taking up postings due to the characteristics of workplace locations, amongst other factors. This study sought to understand the factors influencing primary healthcare workers’ choice of workplace locations in Nigeria. This study applied a qualitative research design. We interviewed 41 primary healthcare workers, including nurses, midwives, and community health practitioners, in Bauchi and Cross River States in Nigeria. The interviews elicited responses on the important issues that health workers consider when thinking of taking up or staying in a work location. We found that the working conditions, living environment and human resources for health (HRH) management practices influence the choice of work location amongst health workers. For working conditions, the quality of facilities, workload concerns, the scope of practice and community support were suggested as important factors. The living environment, specifically the availability of quality housing or an allowance to pay for quality accommodation, availability of transport facilities, and quality schools for children’s education were suggested as important factors. Lastly, the HRH management practices linked to supportive management, remunerations, career advancement and continuing education were highlighted as central factors. Our study highlights the importance of work location to health workers. In practice, there is a need for policymakers and health planners to gain and apply contextual evidence on factors influencing health workers’ choice of workplace locations in health and HRH planning and management. This is pertinent in designing and implementing tailored interventions for ensuring the equitable distribution of health workers.