Exploring Factors Affecting the Quality of Nursing Care at an Intermediate Hospital in the North-east of Namibia

Fransina Iita; Daniel Opotamutale Ashipala; Julia Amadhila

doi:10.25159/2520-5293/20634

Authors

Fransina Iita University of Namibia https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8038-4422
Daniel Opotamutale Ashipala University of Namibia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8913-056X
Julia Amadhila University of Namibia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2520-5293/20634

Keywords:

health services, human resources, nursing care, quality, registered nurses

Abstract

Background: Quality nursing care remains the cornerstone of any nation. Since its independence, Namibia has shown a strong commitment to quality nursing care. However, multiple factors can affect the quality of nursing in hospitals. In Namibia, there is a lack of research on factors that affect the quality of nursing care.

Objective and setting: The objective of this study was to explore the factors affecting the quality of nursing care at an intermediate hospital in the north-east of Namibia.

Method: An exploratory, descriptive qualitative design was employed. The participants included registered nurses and enrolled nurses. Data were collected from a purposive sample of 15 participants and analysed using the six steps of Braun and Clarke (2019), through which three main themes and 16 sub-themes emerged, providing in-depth insights into factors influencing nursing care quality.

Results: Three main themes emerged: conceptual understanding of quality nursing care, systemic barriers affecting care delivery, and recommendations for improvement. Key barriers included staff shortages, financial constraints, inadequate infrastructure, limited training opportunities, and low staff motivation.

Conclusion: The findings revealed a significant decline in the quality of nursing care at Rundu Intermediate Hospital in the north-eastern region of Namibia. As one of the most visible functions of the health system, nursing care is under increasing strain, driven by shifting demographics, limited resources, and rising patient expectations. This study’s findings provided context-specific insights that can inform policy as well as the development of strategies and ongoing targeted interventions to address the challenges affecting the quality of nursing care in Namibia and similar settings.

Author Biographies

Fransina Iita, University of Namibia

Department of General Nursing Science, School of Nursing and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia (UNAM), Rundu, Namibia

Julia Amadhila, University of Namibia

Department of General Nursing Science, School of Nursing and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia (UNAM), Rundu, Namibia

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