Assessing the Job Satisfaction of Some Physicians in Rwanda and the Associated Factors

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have shown poor job satisfaction is a major reason causing physicians to leave their jobs. Poor job  satisfaction among physicians can also affect patient health outcomes and discourage young students from pursuing a medical career.  This study assessed the level of physician job satisfaction in Rwanda and the associated factors.

Methods: This was a descriptive cross- sectional study. An online survey was conducted to assess the level of physician job satisfaction using the Physician Worklife Survey (PWS)  tool. Our sample size was 189. The tool has 41 Likert scale 5-point statements divided into ten domains. Job satisfaction was  classified as low if the average survey score was less than 3. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Global Health Equity IRB  committee (Reference no: 0156).

Results: Out of 100 respondents who filled the tool, 50% reported poor job satisfaction. The four  domains with the most reported poor satisfaction were related to low income (87.6%), lack of personal time (76.8%), dissatisfaction with  work (75.5%), and lack of resources at the workplace (74.5%). Other causes include poor infrastructure, lack of education opportunities,  and ignored physicians’ rights. Physicians who were married, specialists, had more than two years of experience and had a second job  had better satisfaction levels.

Conclusion: Overall, satisfaction among physicians in Rwanda is low. The factors significantly associated  with lower satisfaction were salaries, workloads, and resources. The findings suggest that addressing financial incentives, workloads, and  resources may be effective in elevating physician job satisfaction in Rwanda.