Job satisfaction among public sector physicians in Botswana
Date
2011-01-28
Authors
Mkubwa, Jack Joseph
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Abstract
Introduction: Physician’s job satisfaction is a cornerstone for the delivery of quality health care, and its continuity. The objective of this study was to identify the extent of job satisfaction among public sector physicians in Botswana and to explain its main components among physicians. Methods: Public sector physicians from the Princess Marina Hospital, a referral hospital in southern Botswana, were selected to participate in the study. All participants were asked to complete a self administered questionnaire which included questions pertaining to socio-demographic characteristics and job satisfaction with regard to achievement, career satisfaction, salaries/incentives, as well as working conditions. Results: Eighty-two physicians participated in the study. Mean and median ages were 37 and 33 years respectively and 73% were males. The major finding of the study was that the most important components of satisfaction were; relation with supervisors (74%), relations with colleagues (73%), job security (71%) and job variety (70%). Physicians tended to be most dissatisfied with their working conditions (69%) and responded on the dissatisfaction scale for the domains as follows: working conditions (69%), hospital administration (58%), Salary (57%), professional development (54%) and promotion (51%). Forty-two (42%) percent of the physicians were, overall, satisfied with their job, but most of them (58%) were not satisfied. Gender, length of service and age were not associated with job satisfaction. Younger physicians were more likely to be dissatisfied than older physicians. Conclusion: The main recommendation arising out of the study results is a need to address job satisfaction among physicians in Botswana in order to improve the quality of health care and attract them in the public sector. Attention to working conditions, career and professional development, and salary/incentives and the training of local physicians is critical for sustaining the continuity of quality health care in Botswana.
Description
MPH, University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences
Keywords
Job satisfaction, physicians