Job satisfaction of hospital pharmacists in a representative province in Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Abstract

Background Job satisfaction is an important factor affecting job performance and turnover of healthcare workers, especially hospital pharmacists. Nevertheless, limited studies have reported this issue in the context of Vietnam. Objectives To help maintain the quality and size of the limited hospital pharmacy workforce in Vietnam, especially in the Mekong Delta area, this study investigated the job satisfaction of hospital pharmacists, and the associated factors, in Vinh Long province, a representative province in the central Mekong Delta. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted, recruiting hospital pharmacists working in all 17 province/district-affiliated healthcare facilities across Vinh Long province, Vietnam, between August and September 2022. Results Among the 235 survey participants (representing a response rate of 97.1%), 189 pharmacists (80.4%) reported that they were satisfied with their job. Working conditions, leadership styles, and benefits were factors found to significantly influence job satisfaction. Pharmacists who had worked in the field for 3–5 years (OR = 3.752, 95% CI = 1.036–13.595), more than 5 years (OR = 6.361, 95% CI = 2.264–17.875), did not have additional duties besides their primary responsibilities (OR = 2.046, 95% CI = 1.005–4.163), and worked in a private healthcare facility (OR = 12.021, 95% CI = 1.470–98.316), were significantly more likely to be satisfied with their job. Conclusions Most hospital pharmacists were satisfied with their current job. To further improve job satisfaction in this population, further improvements to working conditions are necessary.