Sociodemographic and Academic Characteristics of Nurses Applying for Authorization to Open and Operate Private Healthcare Practices in the Republic of Benin

ABSTRACT The health reforms initiated in Benin in 2016 have allowed the reorganization of the practice of health professions in private clients, including nursing. To describe the socio-demographic and academic characteristics of nurses applying for authorization to open and operate Private Nursing Practices (CSIP) in Benin. A review of the applications for opening and operating CSIPs, submitted from 2021 to 2024 and selected by exhaustive probability sampling, was carried out. Linear relationships between certain variables were identified using the Pearson correlation test with the Stata/IC 16.0 statistical analysis software. 306 Beninese applicants, 72.55% of whom were men, were registered. Their average age was 38 years and 31 (10.1307%) were aged 60 and over. 53.9213% of the requested installation sites were located in Alibori, Atacora, Borgou and Donga. 76.4705% of the nursing diplomas presented were obtained between 2017 and 2022. 68.6274% of these diplomas came from abroad, including 55.2287% from Burkina Faso. In addition, 69.60% of the diplomas presented were the State Nursing Diploma, 73.70% of which were issued in Burkina Faso. Authorization was granted to 87.11% of the applicants. Applicants of retirement age in Benin raise the issue of sponsorship, the legal contours of which deserve to be clarified. The unequal distribution of installation sites requires the development of a private health map with the objective of Universal Health Coverage. The predominance of foreign diplomas implies the assessment of the skills of their holders.