Impact of work ability and motivation on health worker performance at Rantauprapat Primary Health Center

Abstract

Background: Health development is a main pillar in improving the quality of life of the Indonesian population. Primary health centers (Puskesmas) serve as the frontline of health services. Health worker performance is influenced by multiple factors, including work ability and work motivation. This study aimed to analyze the effect of work ability and work motivation on the performance of health workers at the Rantauprapat City Primary Health Center.

Method: This was an analytic survey with a cross-sectional design. The population comprised all health workers at the Rantauprapat City Primary Health Center, totaling 100 individuals. A total sampling method was used. Data were collected using structured questionnaires measuring work ability, work motivation, and performance. Univariate, bivariate (chi-square test, α=0.05), and multivariate (logistic regression) analyses were performed.

Results: Most respondents were female (55.0%), aged >52 years (62.0%), and had junior high school education (37.0%). Work ability was rated as poor by 52.0%, work motivation as poor by 60.0%, and performance as good by 64.0%. Bivariate analysis showed significant associations between work ability and performance (p<0.001) and between work motivation and performance (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis identified work motivation as the dominant factor (OR=22.993; p<0.001), indicating that health workers with good motivation were nearly 23 times more likely to perform well compared to those with low motivation.

Conclusion: Both work ability and work motivation significantly influence health worker performance, with motivation being the dominant factor. Health centers should allocate budgets for motivation enhancement programs, including performance-based incentives and workplace improvements.