Eldaw B. S. Mohamed^{1, 2}, Yasir A. M. Eltahir^{2, 3}, Egbal A. B. Abukaraig⁴, Hussain Gadelkarim Ahmed^5,

Background: Continuing professional development (CPD), which extends beyond undergraduate and postgraduate education, is crucial to healthcare since it usually keeps health professionals with updated knowledge and skills. This research aims to assess the extent of health professionals' engagement in CPD programs at the University of Kordofan. In addition, it endeavored to determine the factors that drive employee engagement in CPD and identify any barriers that hinder their participation. Methods: This study utilized a cross-sectional study that was carried out at the University of Kordofan. A total of 73 individuals, including all staff members of the health sciences colleges, have participated. Results: This study recruited 73health professionals, 57.5% male and 42.5% female. The majority (57.5%) strongly agreed that CPD empowers participants for personal growth. Additionally, 43.8% agreed that CPD activities require enough time, and 54.8% strongly agreed that resources are needed to attain CPD goals. Furthermore, 47.9% stated they experience job-related difficulties and strongly agreed that workplace support is vital for CPD utilization. Most participants mentioned lack of CPD study time (38.4%), financial restrictions (32.9%), and lack of CPD activity information (30.2%) as CPD participation hurdles. Family and social obligations (34.2%) and CPD ignorance (28.8%) were also major obstacles. Lack of study time was a barrier for 41.9% of women and 35.8% of men. Conclusion: Prominent difficulties that hinder participation in CPD include financial constraints, time limitations, lack of desire, excessive work demands, and family responsibilities. To overcome these obstacles, CPD organizers should customize programs to correspond with the motivations and learning preferences of adult learners.

Continuous Professional Development, Motivation, Barriers, Health Professionals Staff, University of Kordofa