Main Article Content
Job satisfaction among resident doctors in a tertiary healthcare facility in Northern Nigeria, a cross sectional
Abstract
Method: This was a cross- sectional study that involved 150 resident doctors of different cadre and specialization between 1st December, 2011 and 28th January, 2012. The questionnaire was used to assess the socio-demographic information of the respondents, job satisfaction and work related conditions.
Result: Most of the doctors (41.3%) were aged 31-35 years. The mean age of junior residents was 32.6±3.7 years, while that of senior residents were 35±4 years. This differences was not statistically significant (p=0.094).Most resident doctors (64.2%) worked for 7-9hours daily. All doctors worked for average duration of 9.4±2.6 hours. Junior residents worked for mean duration of 9±2.3 hours while senior residents worked for 9.1±3.2 hours. This was not statistically significant p=0.075. Most of the resident doctors (56.7%) had been in the service of the hospital for 1-3 years. The mean duration of service was 3.5±2.1. Most of the doctors (78%) had 7-9 dependents. The average number of dependents for junior residents was 4±3, while for senior residents was 6±2 and this was statistically significant (p=0.03). The mean number of dependents was 5±3. Most doctors (60%) had their last promotion less 1 year prior to the study with mean of 0.9±0.9years.80.1% of doctors were satisfied with their job, 17.3% were undecided and 5.2% were dissatisfied. More senior residents (82.2%) felt satisfied with their jobs than junior residents (77.9%) and this was statistically significant, p=0.035.Job satisfaction among doctors was more among those who were aged 41-45(100%) but there was a very weak positive correlation (r=0.21) between age and job satisfaction. Job satisfaction was more in those who have worked for at least 4 years with a weak positive coefficient of correlation (r=0.28).Length of service correlates more with job satisfaction than any other factors among doctors.Job satisfaction was highest among resident doctors in chemical pathology and radiology and lowest among resident doctors in obstetrics and gynaecology.Increase in manpower employment by management so as to reduce work hour per day may improve satisfaction among obstetrics and gynaecology residents.
Conclusion: Job satisfaction among the doctors in this study was higher when compared with other studies within Nigeria and other developing countries. However, Job satisfaction may increase if physicians experienced more opportunities to advance their careers, team spirit, and better supervision.
Keywords: Job Satisfaction, Dissatisfaction, Resident Doctors, Tertiary Healthcare, Northern Nigeria, Cross Sectional Survey
Trop J Obstet Gynaecol, 30 (1), April 2013