Factors influencing job satisfaction of female urologists-results of asurvey by the German Society of Urology (DGU)

Abstract

Job satisfaction is avaluable good. However, literature on job satisfaction of female and male physicians, especially in the field of urology, is scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate job satisfaction among female members of the German Society of Urology (DGU). An online questionnaire was sent to 1343female members of the DGU in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The responses of 521female physicians were statistically analyzed regarding baseline characteristics and in relation to job satisfaction and satisfaction with the choice of specialty. The median age of the participants was37 (IQR 33; 45) years. While 91% of the respondents were rather or very satisfied with their choice of specialty-urology-only about 54% of the female urologists were satisfied with their job situation. Of the female urologists satisfied (vs. not satisfied) with their professional situation, 95% (vs. 87%) were also satisfied with their choice of urology as their specialty. Satisfaction with the working time model (odds ratio [OR] 9.61) and feeling unequal treatment (OR: 0.18) were independent predictors of satisfaction with the professional situation. Considering the increasing proportion of women in the health sector, it is important to identify factors influencing decisions on career and choice of specialty as well as career progression. Achieving career goals, increasing satisfaction with the working time model, and reducing unequal treatment or discrimination are central arguments for sustainably increasing the job satisfaction of female urologists.