Applied Research Interprofessional Rivalry in Nigeria’s Health Sector: A Comparison of Doctors and Other Health Workers’ Views at a Secondary Care Center Akinlolu G. Omisore 1 , Richard O. Adesoji 2 , and Emmanuel A. Abioye-Kuteyi 3,4 Abstract Objectives: To examine interprofessional rivalry (IPR) between doctors and other health workers and their understanding of its effects. Introduction: IPR in Nigeria’s health system is a burgeoning issue with apparent adverse effects. The most profound rivalry appears to be between doctors and other health workers. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 120 health workers (24 doctors and 96 other health workers) at the State Specialist Hospital, Okitipupa, Ondo State, Nigeria. Pertinent data were collected via semistructured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS Version17.0. Discussion: IPR is perceived to be the leading cause of conflicts among health workers by 70% of respondents. Doctors and other workers had significantly divergent opinions on the leadership of the health team, patient management, establishment positions, and monetary issues as well as on the effects of IPR with more doctors recognizing its hazards. Nearly half of the respondents believe that strikes are justifiable and the most recommended antidote is for the government to attempt to meet group needs. Conclusion: IPR has reached unprecedented levels in Nigeria. However, its adverse effects have not been duly recognized, especially by nondoctors. There is an urgent need for education of health workers on the deleterious effects of IPR. Keywords conflict, interprofessional rivalry, doctors, health workers, health system/sector Introduction Conflict is one of the countless challenges common to many organizations, the health sector inclusive. 1 The potential for conflict or rivalry to arise in this setting is significantly higher because of multifaceted and regular interactions among health workers. 2 The World Health Organization described health workers as all people engaged in actions whose pri- mary intent is to enhance health; they include doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory technician, laboratory scien- tists, community health workers, management, and support workers. 3 Health-care workers are primarily concerned with the well-being of the patient, but organizational hierarchy, specialization, and multiplicity of skills have created rivalry 4 and power struggle among various groups of health profes- sionals over the control and leadership of the work process. To worsen the situation, different health-professional associ- ations act as interest groups to influence government policy in favor of their members, not minding the implication to other professional groups and the health sector in general. Interprofessional rivalry (IPR) is hazardous to patients, health workers themselves, and the health system in general. Several studies have shown that conflict or rivalry in the health sector disrupts intra- and intersectorial collaboration, 5 and causes or aggravates stress including emotional exhaus- tion for workers. 6–9 In addition, it reduces the commitment of workers to the health service 10 and encourages selfish International Quarterly of Community Health Education 0(0) 1–8 ! The Author(s) 2017 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/0272684X17748892 journals.sagepub.com/home/qch 1 Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria 2 Quality Assurance Unit, State Ministry of Health, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria 3 Department of Community Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria 4 Department of Family Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria Corresponding Author: Akinlolu G. Omisore, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Osun State University, PMB 4494, Main Campus, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. Email: akinlolu.omisore@uniosun.edu.ng