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Job satisfaction among male physicians: perspective from Northern Iraq
Irshad Ali Shaikh1, Masood Ali Shaikh, Burhan Omer Rasheed
1Chester Health Department, City Hall, Chester, PA 19013, USA.
Insights
Most male physicians in northern Iraq are satisfied with their careers. However, the study found no clear links between working conditions and job satisfaction levels among these physicians.
Area of Science:
- Medical and Health Sciences
- Public Health
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Job satisfaction is a critical factor influencing physician retention and healthcare quality.
- Understanding physician job satisfaction in developing regions like northern Iraq is essential for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the level of job satisfaction among male physicians in public sector hospitals in northern Iraq.
- To explore potential correlations between professional characteristics and job satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted in Erbil and Kirkuk, northern Iraq, from May to June 2004.
- 174 male physicians completed a structured, self-administered questionnaire assessing job satisfaction and work-related stress.
- Data were analyzed using frequencies, means, and standard errors.
Main Results:
- A significant majority (75.8%) of male physicians reported high job satisfaction (mean score 4.3).
- Over half (55.7%) experienced severe or moderate work-related stress (mean score 2.6).
- Physicians reported a high degree of control over their professional activities (87.9%, mean 4.5).
Conclusions:
- Job satisfaction is high among male physicians in northern Iraqi public hospitals.
- Despite high satisfaction, work-related stress is prevalent.
- The study did not establish clear links between working conditions and job satisfaction levels.
Objective:
To determine the level of job satisfaction among male physicians in northern Iraq.
Design:
Cross-sectional study.
Place And Duration Of Study:
Three public hospitals in the cities of Erbil and Kirkuk in northern Iraq, from May to June 2004.
Subjects And Methods:
Male physicians, currently working in public sector hospitals for at least one year, were given a structured, self-administered, anonymous and pre-tested questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions. Data were collected on demographic and professional characteristics. Likert scales were used for job related characteristics. Data were analyzed for frequencies and mean scores for demographic and professional characteristics, while job related characteristics were analyzed with means and standard errors.
Results:
Out of 174 male physicians participating in this study, 132 (75.8%) responded as always or usually, satisfied with their career as a physician with a mean score of 4.3 (SE 0.1). Ninety-seven (55.7 %) physicians reported their work related stress as either severe or moderate, with a mean score of 2.6 (SE 0.1). But 153 (87.9 %) physicians reported as always or usually being in control of their professional work-related activities, with a mean of 4.5 (SE 0.08), while mean level of stress at home/personal life was 2.2 (SE 0.06).
Conclusion:
Over seventy percent of male physicians in public-sector hospitals were satisfied with their jobs; however, links between working conditions and levels of job satisfaction were not clearly discernible.
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