Quality of Work life Among the Paediatricians Graduated from Master of Medicine (MMed) of Universiti Sains Malaysia

Abstract

Introduction: Malaysian Paediatricians suffer from psychological challenges and stresses, but unfortunately, their quality of work life (QWL) has yet to be studied. This study aims to explore the QWL score and its predictors among the qualified paediatricians of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Methods: A cross-sectional study using a validated QWL questionnaire was performed from June to December 2022. The graduates of Master of Medicine in Paediatrics (USM) were invited to participate in the study, through an online built QWL questionnaire. Reminders were sent a few times to increase the response rate. The QWL was used due to a good internal consistency with Cronbach alpha of 0.95. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the sociodemographic characteristics. The variables for QWL were determined using logistic regression analysis. Results: The study included the participation of 123 paediatricians. Majority of the participants were Malay (87.8%), Muslim (90%) and married (78%). Among all participants, 53.6% has good QWL score. Factors that associated with good QWL were married status (p= 0.02) and higher salary (p=0.012). Individuals whose are married and having higher income are 3.2 and 5.2 times respectively more likely to have good QWL. Conclusion: More than half of qualified paediatricians had good QWL and necessary steps should be strived at improving these factors for a better work-life balance.