Volunteering in the United Arab Emirates’ Health System—Motivations and Challenges

• 作者: Aisha S. Al Saraidi Niyi Awofeso Thomas C. Dolan
• 来源期刊: 健康(英文)
• 学科: 文学
• 关键词: VOLUNTEER MOTIVATION Health CONSUMERS Barriers to VOLUNTEERING UNITED Arab Emirates
• 年，卷（期）: 2020,（4）
• 页码范围: 334-352
• 页数: 19页
• 分类号: H31

摘要

Background: The volunteer role has been cited as an important in supporting healthcare organizations in diverse areas such as contributing to research, health professional’s education, health care delivery, health policy development and patient administration. Proper motivation of volunteers is required for sustaining volunteer performance, while encumbrances to optimal engagement in health systems need to be addressed. This study aimed to investigate the main factors that motivate volunteers to participate in the UAE healthcare system, along with exploring the barriers and challenges being faced. Methods: This study was designed as a quantitative cross-sectional study in United Arab Emirates (UAE). A purposive sample of the Adult citizens and residents using purposive sampling directed at all major health volunteer recruitment agencies in UAE, who have volunteered at least once in the health system over the preceding 12 months. Participants Adult UAE residents were selected by a purposive sampling method from February to April 2017. Data were collected through electronic questionnaires using modified Volunteer Motivation Inventory (VMI). Data were analyzed from 667 adults’ residents who were reported to volunteer at least once in healthcare opportunities. Results: About 53% (n = 290) of the volunteers in this sample were full time employed individuals. Almost 63% (n = 422) were female. Overall, assessed self-reported motivations of volunteer participants were high. The main motivation for volunteering in healthcare opportunities in the UAE was Understanding dimension (Mean = 4.68), followed by self-esteem dimension (Mean = 4.60). Eight elements of volunteer motivation showed no statistically significant differences between male and female respondents. Organization/system barriers dimension was the highest among respondents (Mean = 2.9), followed by individual barriers (Mean = 2.6), interpersonal (Mean = 2.06) and contextual (Mean = 2.04). Conclusion: UAE health sector volunteers who participated in this stud