Absenteeism among staff of a state specialist hospital in Nigeria

Absenteeism occurs when an employee (individual) does not come to work for one or more days (or shifts) when assigned. It is a common global occurrence having negative effects on work productivity. This study aimed to determine the level of absenteeism and contributory factors among staff of Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos, Plateau State. This was a facility based, cross sectional study, involving 181 hospital staff, consecutively selected. A structured, pre tested, self-administered questionnaire was used to assess absenteeism within the previous one year. Data was collected and analysed using Epi info statistical software (and a p value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant). Annual prevalence of absenteeism was 38.7%, crude absence rate; 1.6% and sickness absenteeism; 28.7%. Other factors included attending burials, weddings, study, examinations, family responsibilities, inadequate salary, working additional jobs, lack of promotion, and transportation problems. There was a statistically significant relationship (p = 0.0026) between poor remuneration and absenteeism. In conclusion, majority of the workers at the hospital had not been absent in the preceding year. It is therefore recommended that hospital management should improve staff remuneration.