Work engagement levels and correlates among physician assistants in Ghana: a cross-sectional study

Background

Work engagement (WE) is critical to quality primary healthcare delivery. However, limited research has explored its levels and determinants among healthcare professionals in low- and middle-income countries. This study assessed the levels and correlates of work engagement among physician assistants (PAs) in Ghana.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 439 PAs from October to December 2024. Participants were recruited via emails, social media platforms, and posters featuring study links and scannable questionnaire codes. WE was measured using the validated Utrecht Work Engagement Scale questionnaire.

Results

Overall, WE levels were average, with similar trends across the three subdomains. In the bootstrapped multivariate linear regression model, anxiety was negatively associated with WE (β = − 0.49, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: −0.77 to −0.21). Conversely, working in an urban area (β = 0.36, 95 % CI: 0.05 to 0.67), holding the rank of PA/Senior PA (β = 0.27, 95 % CI: 0.03 to 0.52), reporting good self-rated health (β = 0.54, 95 % CI: 0.19 to 0.88), and working at health centers (β = 0.86, 95 % CI: 0.22 to 1.50) were positively associated with WE levels.

Conclusion

WE levels are average in the study sample, highlighting the need for strategic interventions to improve and sustain the healthcare workforce’s motivation and performance. Addressing workplace stressors, enhancing professional development opportunities, and fostering supportive work environments could improve engagement among PAs and healthcare professionals in general. Strengthening WE is essential for ensuring resilient quality primary healthcare systems and achieving the goals of universal health coverage.