Understanding the Effects of Absenteeism on Healthcare for Professional District Nurses in Windhoek

Absenteeism is a behavioural habit and trend that includes failing to arrive at work on time, leaving early, taking extended breaks, and being preoccupied with personal concerns during professional hours. This study aimed to describe and explore the perceptions of registered nurses regarding the effects of absenteeism on healthcare at Windhoek district primary healthcare facilities in the Khomas region of Namibia. Employing a qualitative methodology, the study was guided by Steers and Rhodes' attendance model and a constructivist philosophical framework. The target population comprised all professional nurses working in district healthcare facilities in Windhoek. Purposive sampling was used to select both the facilities and the participants for in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data, involving a systematic coding process to construct the overarching themes. The findings highlighted the professional nurses' perspectives on the impact of absenteeism on healthcare delivery. Three key themes emerged: (1) absenteeism being primarily driven by family issues and occupational burnout; (2) absenteeism leading to poor service delivery; and (3) various strategies being necessary to address habitual absenteeism. The study established that absenteeism negatively affects nurses' physical, emotional, and occupational health, as well as the quality of patient care they are able to render. When nurses are absent, they experience mental stress, low morale, and an increased workload. Furthermore, the study established that nurses who remain on duty provide substandard patient care, heightening the risk of medical errors, and compromising their professional reputations. Consequently, those who remain on duty have to work in hazardous conditions. Recommendations to the health facilities and the Ministry of Health and Social Services were made to introduce workshops and refresher courses to nurses regarding the effects of absenteeism on patient care and to ensure active hospital employee assistance programmes to mitigate absenteeism.