Page 30 - Spring Graduation Booklet (SESSION-1)(19Oct2022)

SCHOOL OF NURSING & PUBLIC HEALTH
FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES &
VETERINARY MEDICINE
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN PUBLIC HEALTH

CANDIDATE: AMADHILA Julia

CANDIDATE’S DISSERTATION

A MODEL FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS TO FACILITATE A
WELLNESS PROGRAM IN THE STATE HEALTH FACILITIES OF
OSHIKOTO REGION, NAMIBIA

This study was carried out under the supervision of Prof. Hans Justus Amukugo and Dr.
Ndapeua Nehale Shifiona, both from the University of Namibia.

The purpose of this study was to develop a model for health professionals to facilitate
a wellness program in the state health facilities of Oshikoto Region in Namibia. A
significant number of health professionals experience psychosocial, physical, and
personal challenges in the workplace, which has necessitated the development of this
proposed model. However, the development of the model required concepts that are
derived from empirical data. A convergent mixed method/approach that comprised
qualitative and quantitative strands were used guided the process of collecting and
analyzing the data from health facilities. Participants and respondents were nurses
and doctors. The research instruments used for data collection were the checklist,
questionnaires and interview guides.

The findings revealed that health professionals are faced with psychosocial challenges
such as unavailability of wellness policies and wellness program, stress, insufficient
support from management; physical challenges such as staff shortage, inadequate
facilities and equipment; as well as personal challenges such as inadequate knowledge
on wellness program, illnesses, and lack of self-care. The psychosocial, physical, and
personal environment concepts were identified as the main central concepts that
formed the basis of model development. A model for health professionals to facilitate
wellness programs was developed guided by the theories and model. Three phases of
the model developed were identified. The model was evaluated using Fawcett’s six
criteria of evaluating nursing theories. Guidelines were developed based on the needs
identified from the study findings to direct the effective implementation of the model.
The study recommends that the policymakers develop a comprehensive and inclusive
wellness policy to institute a wellness program in the state health facilities, the MoHSS
establishes a wellness directorate at the national level; and the management
advocates for and facilitates psychosocial, physical, and personal support to enable
health professionals cope with challenges in their work environment.

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