Predictors of job satisfaction in public hospitals in Belgrade, Serbia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background Growing evidence has suggested that job satisfaction in the health-care system can affect productivity, the quality of service, and patient safety. Knowledge regarding job satisfaction of health workers and its determinants is valuable to health-care managers for decision making in the field of personnel policy. This study was aimed to assess job satisfaction among health workers in public hospitals in Belgrade, Serbia and identify its associated factors. Methods This was a cross-sectional study, carried out within 24 hours, in December 2018, as a part of a national survey, which is conducted annually in all health care institutions in Serbia. Data were collected by self-administered structured questionnaire, which was distributed to all health workers who were at work at the time of the survey (11,588 health workers in 26 public hospitals in Belgrade). The completed questionnaires were returned by 9,203 health workers, which constituted the response rate of 79.4%. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to identify factors significantly and independently associated with a higher level of job satisfaction. Results Overall, 31.4% of the respondents were satisfied with their job. Age less than 35 years [AOR = 1.40; 95% CI (1.18-1.67)], no work stress [AOR = 2.66; 95% CI (1.94-3.65)], satisfaction with time for accomplishment of tasks [AOR = 1.92; 95% CI (1.64-2.26)], satisfaction with recognition and value of health workers’ engagement [AOR = 1.79; 95% CI (1.51-2.13)], and satisfaction with leadership style and work organization [AOR = 1.90; 95% CI (1.60-2.26)] were identified as determinants with highest influence at job satisfaction. Conclusions Less than third of health workers in Belgrade’s hospitals were satisfied with their job, while satisfaction with various aspects of the job, age, and work stress, were identified as predictors. The results of this study could be useful in proposing strategies to improve job satisfaction of health workers. Key messages The job satisfaction of health workers in Belgrade’s hospitals is low. Health-care managers should pay attention to create an environment that promotes job satisfaction and reduces work stress.