Lifelong learning tendencies in primary healthcare workers: A descriptive design

The need to update knowledge and learn continuously has emerged as a necessity in today's world, particularly to enhance the quality of healthcare services. Health workers working in primary health care centres are responsible for protecting and improving public health. Therefore, they must be inclined to lifelong learning. The requirements in this direction can only be met by increasing lifelong learning tendencies.

This study aimed to determine the lifelong learning tendencies of primary healthcare workers.

This is a descriptive study.

The sample of the study consisted of 261 healthcare workers employed in primary healthcare centers in one province of the Eastern Anatolia region in Turkey.

The study was completed with 261 individuals who agreed to participate. Data were collected through survey using a descriptive information form and the Lifelong Learning Tendency Scale. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation analysis, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman correlation test were used for data analysis.

The participants' Lifelong Learning Tendency Scale mean score was 57.28 ± 22.82. A positive significant correlation was found between lifelong learning tendency and education level, institution of employment, previous experience of lifelong learning, participation in personal and professional development training, reading books, and belief in the necessity of lifelong learning (p < 0.05).

The lifelong learning tendency of healthcare workers was at a good level. Accordingly, it is recommended to create professional training environments to further strengthen the lifelong learning tendencies of healthcare workers and support their participation in scientific activities.