Public health technical officer retention In a state agency under the Ministry of Public Health

Abstract

          The objectives of this research aimed (1) to analyze the retention factors affecting public health technical officers in a state agency under the Ministry of Public Health and (2) to compare these factors based on various personal attributes. The study was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 used qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews, to gather information from ten high-performing civil servants in the public health technical officer position who had demonstrated exceptional performance over six assessment cycles in three years. Phase 2 employed quantitative research methods, utilizing survey techniques to collect data from 201 public health professionals in a state agency under the Ministry of Public Health. The study tools included questionnaires, and the collected data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and t-tests for two groups of personal characteristics. An F-test was also applied for personal characteristics involving three or more groups, with further analysis via the Scheffe method if the F-test showed a statistically significant difference at the 0.05 level.

          The results indicated that retention factors for public health technical officer
were rated highly overall, with the working environment, Opportunities for future advancement, and career status being the most important. Compensation also significantly contributed to retention. Comparative analysis revealed variation in retention factors based on gender, highest level of education, and affiliation to different agencies, with statistically significant differences at the 0.05 level. However, no significant differences were found when considering age, position level, and duration of service. These findings provide valuable insights for developing strategies to enhance workforce retention in a state agency under the Ministry of Public Health