A qualitative study of factors influencing retention of doctors and nurses at rural healthcare facilities in Bangladesh

BACKGROUND: Bangladesh is a highly populous country with three-quarters rural population. Pressing national shortages in health professionals has resulted in high vacancy rates in rural areas. These are compounded by excessive absenteeism and low retention among nurses and doctors posted to rural locations. This study attempts to ascertain reasons for providers' reluctance to work in rural and remote areas and to identify ways in which these barriers to appropriate staffing might be resolved. METHODS: This is a qualitative study based on in-depth interviews with healthcare providers (n = 15) and facility managers (n = 4) posted in rural areas, and key informant interviews with health policymakers at the national level (n = 2). Interview guides were written in English and…