Depressive symptoms and professional satisfaction in Greek nursing personnel in the realm of European financial crisis

Abstract

BackgroundThe ongoing economic crisis in Europe, including Greece, has been linked with increased psychiatric morbidity and financial rewards reduction, both related to job dissatisfaction. AimWe explored among Greek nursing personnel the degree of satisfaction from wages, and associations with depressive symptoms and total professional satisfaction. Also, associations with socio-demographic, educational and employment variables were explored. MethodsA cross-sectional study was applied (July to August 2015). A census sample of 66 members of nursing personnel employed in a randomly selected Greek public hospital completed the Index of Work Satisfaction and the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. ResultsThe response rate was 73.4%. The degree of satisfaction from wages was low [mean (SD) = 2.1(0.13)-scale range/item 1–7], and strongly positively associated with total professional satisfaction (r = 0.419, P = 0.005). Also, those working in morning shift reported higher degree of work satisfaction from wages (P = 0.05) compared to those working in rotation shifts. Total professional satisfaction was moderate [mean (SD)/item = 3.93(0.05)-scale range/item: 1–7]. Higher depressive symptom values were observed in deputy head nurses compared to nursing assistants (P = 0.011) and staff nurses (P = 0.02), as well as in employees working in morning shifts compared to those working in rotation shifts (P = 0.013). ConclusionsAn association between satisfaction from wages and total professional satisfaction was noted; yet, there was no link of depressive symptoms with satisfaction from wages, or total professional satisfaction. Instead, satisfaction from wages and intensity of depressive symptoms were associated with organizational/administrative polices and employment variables.