Interprofessional Work Relationships And Role Conflict In Primary Health Care Settings: Experiences Of Community Health Nurses In Northern Nigeria
Fatima Zubairu Yakubu
Department of Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Nigeria.,
Dr. Ado Shehu
Department of Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Nigeria
Dr. Attahir Sa’ad Ayuba
Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Sardar Patel University, India
Dr. Adamu Alhaji
Federal University of Health Sciences Azare Bauchi State
Prof. Hayat Imam Gomma
Department of Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Prof. Faruk Sarkinfada
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Skyline University Nigeria.,
Dr. Nasiru Mohammed Abdullahi
Department of Community, Psychiatric, and Mental Health Nursing, College of Nursing, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
Dr. Zulkiflu Musa Argungu
Department of Nursing Science, Almaarefa University Saudi Arabia
Iman Awad Siddig Mohammed
Department of Community Nursing, Faculty of Nursing Sciences, University of Khartoum, Sudan
Binta K. Jibril
Department of Nursing Sciences, Niger State College of Nursing.
Keywords: Interprofessional relations, Role conflict, Primary health care, Community health nurses, Nigeria, Qualitative research
Abstract
Background: Effective Interprofessional collaboration is crucial for providing comprehensive primary healthcare (PHC); nonetheless, ongoing disagreement among healthcare workers hinders service delivery, especially in resource-limited environments. In Nigeria, primary healthcare centers employ various personnel, although ambiguous position delineations and systemic limitations frequently exacerbate workplace conflict. The lived experiences of community health nurses about these processes remain inadequately examined, particularly in Northern Nigeria. The objective of this study was to investigate the experiences of community health nurses concerning Interprofessional work relationships and role conflict within primary health care clinics in Bauchi State, Northern Nigeria. A qualitative study employing a hermeneutic phenomenological design was executed. Twelve community health nurses were intentionally chosen from primary health care facilities throughout Bauchi metropolis. Data were gathered via comprehensive, semi-structured interviews conducted from August to October 2021. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed using an interpretive phenomenological approach to discover emerging themes. Findings: Five principal themes emerged from the data: (1) Inadequate Interprofessional Collaboration, characterized by isolated, task-focused efforts with limited teamwork or collective decision-making; (2) Role Ambiguity and Overlap, wherein unclear job descriptions and overlapping responsibilities between nurses and community health extension workers resulted in confusion and tension; (3) Professional Rivalry and Power Struggles, evident as competition for authority, recognition, and influence within facilities; (4) Detrimental Effects on Nurses and Care Delivery, resulting in nurse frustration, demotivation, intentions to resign, and perceived compromises in the quality and continuity of patient care; and (5) The Aggravating Influence of the Work Environment, where insufficient infrastructure, resource scarcity, and staffing shortages heightened interpersonal conflicts. Conclusion: Interprofessional relationships in the examined PHC settings are defined by substantial conflict originating from systemic deficiencies in role clarity, supportive leadership, and resource availability. These disputes detrimentally impair nurse well-being and undermine the quality and coordination of patient care. The findings underline an urgent need for health system interventions that address both the structural determinants—such as formalizing scopes of practice and improving work conditions—and the relational aspects of cooperation through leadership training and dispute resolution procedures. Strengthening the relational foundation of PHC teams is crucial for developing resilient, effective primary healthcare systems in Nigeria and similar countries.