Gender disparity in healthcare sector leadership positions is a major problem among
female healthcare professionals in Southern Ethiopia. This study explored gender
disparities among healthcare professionals in healthcare sector leadership positions.
The findings would be used to develop
guidelines to reduce gender disparities in
healthcare leadership in healthcare sectors to a minimum in Ethiopia. This study used
exploratory and descriptive cross-sectional research design incorporating a mixed
methods research approach to collect both quantitative and qualitative data
simultaneously which were analyzed during the same phase of the research process.
The quantitative survey data was collected using piloted structured questionnaire while
qualitative data was collected using semi-structured interview guide containing open
questions. Quantitative data was collected from a random sample of 414 healthcare
professionals and qualitative data from a purposive sample of 21 healthcare professionals
from seven districts having the experiences of gender disparity in healthcare leadership
positions. Quantitative data had a compliance rate of 98% and it was entered into EpiData
version 3.1 and exported to SPSS (version 24) for further analysis, and the qualitative
data was coded and analyzed manually into thematic content.
Quantitative findings of the study revealed that only 26% (n=108) of the participants
reported that representation of women in healthcare sector leadership positions in the
past few years has been increased. The majority of leadership positions assumed by
study participants were at department head level while only 1.3 % were on chief excutive
officers and 2.3% medical director positions respectively. Of these none was a female
and 67%, n=264 of the participants do not have leadership role in a health service facility.
Study participants having bachelor degree level of education were 2.3 times more likely
to be represented in healthcare sector leadership positions than those participants having
master’s degree and diploma [AOR=2.3, (95% CI: 1.289, 4.252)].
Challenges experienced by women health professionals regarding gender disparity in
leadership positions in health service facility included family responsibilities, lack of
support, lack of self-esteem or self-confidence, lack of career advancement, and cultural
bias. The conclusions derived from the study was that women need all the opportunities,
encouragement and support to allow them access to and success in healthcare sector
leadership positions through informal and formal leadership training. / Health Studies / D. Litt et Phil (Health Studies)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/27373 |
| Date | 11 1900 |
| Creators | Yimmam, Getachew Lenko |
| Contributors | Makua, T., Thupayagale-Tshweneagae G.B. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Dissertation |
| Format | 1 online resource (xxii, 271 pages) : color illistrations, application/pdf |
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