Impact of anti-corruption strategies in combating corruption in health institutions: a case study of Kadoma General Hospital

Abstract

Corruption in public health institutions remains a critical challenge in developing countries, undermining equitable service delivery and eroding public trust. This study examined the impact of anti-corruption strategies in combating corruption at Kadoma General Hospital in Zimbabwe. Four objectives guided the study: to identify forms of corruption prevalent at the institution; to assess the impact of anti-corruption interventions; to explore challenges encountered in implementing anti-corruption strategies; and to recommend measures to enhance their effectiveness. The study adopted a positivist philosophy and a deductive approach within a descriptive quantitative research design. Simple random sampling was used to select 40 respondents from a target population of 100 employees across five departments. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered on a five-point Likert scale and analysed using SPSS Version 27 through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, regression analysis and ANOVA. Findings revealed that bribery was the most prevalent form of corruption (mean = 3.90), followed by nepotism and absenteeism. Pearson correlation established a statistically significant moderate relationship between anti-corruption strategies and corruption reduction (r = .461, p = .001). Regression analysis confirmed that anti-corruption strategies explain 21.2% of the variation in corruption levels (R² = 0.212, p = .001), with resource constraints (mean = 3.85) and weak enforcement identified as the principal barriers to implementation. The study concluded that whilst anti-corruption strategies at Kadoma General Hospital are partially effective, their full impact is constrained by inadequate resources, weak enforcement mechanisms and an institutional culture of silence. The study recommends strengthening internal audit systems, adopting e-procurement through PRAZ, enacting whistle-blower protection legislation and increasing Ministry of Health budget allocations for compliance monitoring.