WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Mariam Izengo, Larry Akoko, Elizabeth Ngonyani, Obadia Nyongole and Nathanael Sirili*

ABSTRACT

Background: Tanzania, like many low and middle-income countries, is suffering from a critical shortage and mal-distribution of doctors favouring the urban areas. By 2015, only 25% of doctors were in rural Tanzania where over 70% of the population lives. This study sought to explore the workplace preferences among intern doctors from three selected regions in Tanzania. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out among intern doctors working at Muhimbili National Hospital, St. Francis referral hospital, St. Joseph Hospital Peramiho and Songea Regional Referral Hospital from July to August 2016. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 21 and statistical significance was set at a p-value of ? 0.05. Results: One hundred and fifty-four intern doctors filled in a self-administered questionnaire for this study. Majority of the interns (68.2%) were ready to work in urban setting over rural areas despite the location of upbringing and schooling. Undertaking an internship in a rural setting was statistically associated with readiness to work in rural areas. Furthermore, better urban facilities physical infrastructure and many incentives contributed to the readiness to work in urban areas over rural areas. Conclusion: The findings of this study are in line with many other studies that revealed that many doctors prefer to work in urban areas due to economic and career opportunities over rural areas. Place of internship adds on the potential for rural practices among the newly graduating doctors.