ASSOCIATION BETWEEN JOB STRESS AND JOB SATISFACTION AMONG PHYSICIANS IN BANHA MAJOR HOSPITALS, KALIOBIA GOVERNORATE

Abstract

Introduction: The issue of job stress and job satisfaction is of almost importance to the public health community and working people. Physicians cope with the cure of patients and directly confront severe illness and death. Therefore, compared with other professions, physicians experienced even heavier occupational stress and lower job satisfaction. Increasing evidence suggests that physician distress can lead to erosion of physician compassion, patient compliance and the quality of care which the physicians deliver. Aim of work: to determine levels and sources of job-related stress and job satisfaction among physicians at Banha hospitals, to identify some factors associated with both job stress and job satisfaction among physicians such as socio demographic factors, some habits and lifestyle and occupational characteristics and to investigate the association between job stress and job satisfaction. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among physicians in different departments at Banha three major hospitals. Self-administered anonymous questionnaires about job related stress and job satisfaction, was used. In addition, some questions about socio-demographic characteristics, some habits and lifestyle and occupational characteristics were added. Results: The percentage of studied physicians with high total job stress score was 26.2% while percentage of those with low total job satisfaction score was 51.5%. The mean total stress score was 47.2. The higher mean stress factors’ scores was overload disruption to home. The mean total satisfaction score was 37.8. The higher mean satisfaction factors’ scores was feeling well managed and resourced. There were two significant predictors (physical activity and specialty) out of the variables for total stress score and there was no significant predictor among general factors for total satisfaction score. Conclusion: Egyptian physicians experienced heavier occupational stress and lower job satisfaction. Our results call for paying more attention to improve physicians’ job satisfaction in Egypt, to meet needed higher standards in health care.