Factors associated with retention intentions among Isibindi child and youth care workers in South Africa: results from a national survey.
BACKGROUND
Child and youth care workers (CYCWs) are a crucial and growing component of South Africa's national response to HIV and AIDS and other issues affecting children and families. CYCWs use the community-centred Isibindi model of care to reach the most vulnerable with key services including psychosocial, health, economic and education support. Like others in similar professions, they may be at risk for occupational challenges affecting retention.


METHODS
This study uses data from the first nationally representative survey of CYCWs in South Africa to identify factors associated with workers' retention intentions. Data were collected in 2015 as part of a formative evaluation conducted around the mid-point of a nationwide Isibindi programme expansion. A total of 1158 CYCWs from 78 sites participated. The response rate for the sample was 87%. Questions addressed demographics, work history, retention intentions, training, mentorship and supervision experiences, workload and remuneration. Mixed effects regression models with random intercepts for project site and mentor were used to estimate factors associated with retention intentions.


RESULTS
High-quality mentorship and frequent supervision support retention intentions among CYCWs. Respondents who indicated that wanting to help children or the community was their primary motivator for seeking work as a CYCW were also more likely to report intending to continue working as a CYCW. High perceived workloads and feeling threatened or unsafe on the job were negatively associated with retention intentions. As CYCWs gained experience, they were also less likely to intend to stay.


CONCLUSIONS
Understanding the factors affecting retention in the CYCW workforce is vital to helping vulnerable children and families across South Africa access key social and health services. Findings highlight the importance of mentoring and supervision as part of the Isibindi model and the value of support for manageable workloads, workplace safety, and career advancement opportunities for promoting worker retention.
['Thurman|Tonya R|TR|', 'Taylor|Tory M|TM|', 'Nice|Johanna|J|', 'Luckett|Brian|B|', 'Taylor|Myra|M|', 'Kvalsvig|J D|JD|']
D000293:Adolescent D016497:Adolescent Health Services D000328:Adult D002648:Child D002662:Child Health Services D002675:Child, Preschool D003151:Community Health Centers D005260:Female D006282:Health Personnel D006801:Humans D007223:Infant D007231:Infant, Newborn D007588:Job Satisfaction D008137:Longitudinal Studies D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D009732:Nursing Care D010563:Personnel Turnover D013019:South Africa D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
Retention Child and youth care worker South Africa HIV and AIDS Community health worker Self-efficacy