Quality of Work Life Among Public Hospital Nurses in Sarawak

Abstract

Globally, the quality of work-life (QoWL) of nurses is significantly affected. They are the largest health care groups and the leading front liners in the clinical settings. When the nurse's quality of work life is compromised, the work environment's dynamic changes will also be affected. At current, the focus issues in nursing include excessive workload and poor work conditions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of quality of work-life among public hospital nurses in Sarawak General Hospital (SGH), Kuching, Malaysia. Methods: Descriptive study with a purposive sampling technique was used in recruiting 461 nurses working at SGH. A composite scale was used for the assessment of QoWL in nurses. Data were collected using adapted questionnaires that focused on nine different areas. The questionnaires were distributed to the nurses via an online survey. This study revealed that 52.9% of the respondents were not satisfied with their QoWL, while 47.1% were satisfied. Three areas were identified to record a higher percentage of unsatisfactory QoWL: relation and cooperation, autonomy of work, and resources adequacy. There are significant differences between the nurses' quality of work-life and socio demographic characteristics (p-value≤0.01). Female nurses; those involved in clinical; working and staying at the same hospital for a long time; and those working shifts, having satisfactory QoWL. In sum, the nurse's quality of work-life is at a moderate level. This research further indicates that the socio-demographic features of nurses and QoWL are substantially linked. Result-driven research is also needed to examine the effectiveness, efficacy, and cost benefits of specific strategies to improve quality of life. The health care authorities should implement policies to strengthen nurses' working standards and their QoWL to provide excellent and effective care for their clients.