Journal of Occupational
Health and Epidemiology
Rafsanjan university Of medical sciences
Volume 15, Issue 1 (Winter 2026)
J Occup Health Epidemiol 2026, 15(1): 67-77 |
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Nozarian M H, Amiri Ghale Rashidi N, Jabbari A, Zarenasiri M, Karimi E, Ghobeishipour H. Factors Affecting Health Workers' Retention during Epidemics in Developing Countries: A Scoping Review. J Occup Health Epidemiol 2026; 15 (1) :67-77
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Mohammad Hossein Nozarian1 
, Niloufar Amiri Ghale Rashidi2 , Arezo Jabbari3 , Mohsen Zarenasiri4 , Esmaeil Karimi5 , Hoda Ghobeishipour *6
, Niloufar Amiri Ghale Rashidi2 , Arezo Jabbari3 , Mohsen Zarenasiri4 , Esmaeil Karimi5 , Hoda Ghobeishipour *6
1- Ph.D. Student in Healthcare Management, Dept. of Health Care Management, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2- PhD in Public Management, Director of Employee Training Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3- Master of Healthcare Management, Dept. of Health Care Management, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
4- M.Sc. Student in Healthcare Management, Student Research Committee, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
5- M.Sc. Student in Healthcare Services Management, Student Research Committee, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
6- M.Sc. Student in Healthcare Management, Dept. of Health Care Management, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. ,hodaaa.gh99@gmail.com
2- PhD in Public Management, Director of Employee Training Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3- Master of Healthcare Management, Dept. of Health Care Management, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
4- M.Sc. Student in Healthcare Management, Student Research Committee, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
5- M.Sc. Student in Healthcare Services Management, Student Research Committee, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
6- M.Sc. Student in Healthcare Management, Dept. of Health Care Management, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. ,
Article history
Received: 2025/04/29
Accepted: 2025/07/26
ePublished: 2026/03/30
Accepted: 2025/07/26
ePublished: 2026/03/30
Subject:
Occupational Health
Abstract: (9 Views)
Background: One of the most serious problems threatening the health system during long-term crises is the hospital staffs' intention to leave. This issue causes shortage in human resources in health sector and is very significant for developing countries under epidemic conditions. This study aimed to identify the factors affecting health workers' retention along epidemics in developing countries.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted between June 1st and December 20st 2024. Four international databases (i.e., PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science) and two Persian databases (i.e., Magiran and SID) and as well as and Google scholar search engines were searched. Ultimately, 23 articles related to the purpose of the research were selected.
Results: Eight factors were identified in developing countries influencing the retention of health workers during an epidemic. These factors included Personal protective equipment, stress management, education and awareness, Support and appreciation, financial protection, communication structure, task clarity and sense of worth.
Conclusion: Based on the results of the reviewed studies, the most influential factors on the hospital staffs' retention along epidemics, include access to resources, job stress management program and psychological safety, raising awareness, and keeping the hospital staff informed and holding training sessions to cope with risks. These factors can convey a sense of control as well as security to hospital employees and boost their job satisfaction.
Keywords: Epidemics [Emtree], Health Workers [MeSH], Developing Countries [MeSH], Personnel [MeSH], Review [MeSH]
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