Factors associated with job satisfaction of emergency medical services professionals – a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Relevance. Shortage of skilled emergency medical services (EMS) employees is an alarming global problem. EMS missions have increased by fifty percent in many communities. The high EMS demand, low recruitment rate and loss of skilled employees forced EMS organization to explore ways to improve EMS employees work ability and satisfaction. To date there are no data available on EMS employees’ job satisfaction levels in Kuwait. Intention – To establish the national EMS job satisfaction level, identify factors associated with job satisfaction and explore the relationship between job satisfaction, physical wellbeing and depressive disorder. Methodology. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 80 Kuwait EMS employees online (15 January –15 March 2020). Job satisfaction and depressive disorders were assessed via a questionnaire based on Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) that included 21 items. Descriptive and regression analysis were performed. Results and Discussion. The overall mean of job satisfaction was closer to moderate, 3.9 ± 1.4. The participants described the EMS profession to have moderate levels of intrinsic factors except for achievement 1.8 ± 1.5. And to have moderate levels of extrinsic factors except for pay and social factors: overall mean 2.7 ± 1 and 2.2. ± 1.5, respectively. There were three factors associated with job satisfaction: gender (p = < 0.001), career advancement (p = 0.003) and responsibilities (p = 0.005). This analysis also showed significant association between job satisfaction and EMS employees’ well-being (p = 0.001) and absence of depressive disorder (p = < 0.001). Conclusion. There is a moderate level of job satisfaction among EMS workforce in Kuwait. Gender, career advancement and responsibilities were the main factors associated with job satisfaction. Having satisfied EMS employees with their job can eliminate depressive disorder and enhance physical well-being. Future efforts to improve EMS employee’s recruitment, work ability and work quality should reflect on these findings.