Factors influencing the uptake of health education among employees in the banking industry: the case of equity bank limited

Abstract

This research project analyzed factors influencing the Uptake of Health Education among employees in the banking Industry. The study aimed at exploring the influence of socio-demograhic factors, working conditions and employees' knowledge, attitude and practices on the Uptake of Health Education. The research focused on Equity Bank Ltd. The research sort to analyze factors influencing the Uptake of Health Education among Employees in the banking Industry. The study was guided by three objectives, which were to establish the influence of employees' socio-demographic factors (age, gender, education, occupation, economic factors) on the uptake of Health Education, to investigate the relationship between employees' working conditions and the uptake of Health Education and to explore the influence of employees' knowledge, attitudes and practices towards the uptake of health Education. The sample size was drawn from the I-lead Office, Nairobi which has a population of 851 employees. This is a young population with an average age of 27 years old. The population has been exposed to Health Education Programme run from the Human Resource Department since the year, 2006. Most of the population has professional training in banking related areas. However, there are specific support teams with different specialties at the head offices. It is a population with different characteristics owing to the different professional qualifications, different job levels, different income levels, marital status, and backgrounds. The study used descriptive survey design so as to describe the state of affairs as they exist at present and the research instrument used was a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used to present the findings of the study. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that the employees' socio-demographic factors (age, gender, education, occupation, economic factors) have an influence on the uptake of health education conducted at the workplace. The study also showed a direct relation between employees' working conditions and the uptake of health education. Employees' knowledge, attitudes and existing practices were seen to influence the uptake of health education. Existing healthy practices positively influenced uptake of health education. Existing harmful practices have a negative influence on the uptake of health education. The study also indicated that the employees' positive attitude towards significance of health education also positively influenced uptake of health education. The study is useful to Human Resource Managers in the Banking Industry and elsewhere as the study findings will help re-evaluate the Health Education Programmes. The Research findings are also beneficial the employees in understanding their Health Education Uptake trends and identify areas of focus and self improvement. The findings are also beneficial to the Directorate of Occupational Health & Safety- Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, Ministry of Medical Services who would use the results of the research to inform health policy formulation.