Assessment of Job Satisfaction and Associated Factors Among Health Professionals Working at Public Hospitals in Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia/2021

Abstract

<i>Background</i>: Job satisfaction encompasses the array of attitudes that employees hold towards their work. Various factors influence job satisfaction, including salaries, benefits, allowances, pension funds, working hours, and the level of respect received in the workplace. In Ethiopia, approximately 50% of nurses employed in public health facilities express dissatisfaction, citing reasons such as lack of motivation, inadequate salary, limited training opportunities, and insufficient human resources. <i>Objective</i>: This study aimed to evaluate job satisfaction and its determinants among health professionals working in public primary hospitals in Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia in 2021. <i>Methods</i>: An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was utilized, involving 207 health professionals selected systematically from public primary hospitals in Arsi Zone. Data were cleaned, coded, entered into EpiData 7, and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify statistically significant associations between dependent and independent variables and to predict factors influencing job satisfaction. <i>Results</i>: The study revealed that 71 (35.3%) health professionals expressed agreement that they would choose the same career if given the chance again. While 60 (29.9%) respondents perceived personal growth in their work, 124 (61.7%) did not experience any personal development. A majority of participants (78.1%) reported having adequate opportunities for professional growth, with 125 (62.1%) indicating satisfaction in their profession. Multivariate analysis identified age, work experience, and income as significant factors influencing job satisfaction among health professionals. <i>Conclusions and Recommendations</i>: The study found an overall low level of job satisfaction among health professionals. Age, work experience, and average monthly income emerged as key factors affecting job satisfaction in this group. The government should implement effective policies addressing all determinants of job satisfaction, improve payment structures, create conducive work environments, recognize achievements, and establish mechanisms for remote retention of staff. Hospital administrators should enhance work conditions, increase rewards, and prioritize the professional development of employees to boost staff job satisfaction.