FACTORS INFLUENCING JOB SATISFACTION OF NURSES AND MIDWIVES IN BOLE DISTRICT OF THE SAVANNAH REGION

Abstract

Globally, job satisfaction is a major factor among healthcare professionals. Job satisfaction affects staff attrition rates, healthcare quality and outcomes. The study was designed to determine the factors that influence job satisfaction of nurses and midwives in the Bole District of the Savannah Region of Ghana. A descriptive cross-sectional study with multistage sampling technique was employed among 122 nurses and 34 midwives. The Mueller/McCloskey Nurse Job Satisfaction Scale was adapted and used to collect data. Statistical Package for Social Science version 22.0 was used to analyse the data. Spearman’s rho chi-square test (p<0.05) and marginal effect with corresponding 95% confidence interval were used to establish the association between sociodemographic characteristics and job satisfaction. The study revealed a moderate satisfaction level among nurses and midwives (66 nurse assistants, 33 nurses and 23 midwives all reported moderate satisfaction with their job at p=0.682). The major intrinsic factors influencing nurses and midwives’ job satisfaction are job duties, achievement and recognition. While staffing, interpersonal relationship and the policy on study leave were identified as the main extrinsic factors influencing their job satisfaction. A weak positive association was established between job type and job satisfaction (rho=0.253, p=0.04 < 0.05). It is therefore recommended that management of the Bole District Health Service should review its’ staff motivational system by placing emphasis on the intrinsic factors and complementing it with financial rewards and fringe benefits while ensuring that it is adequate and fair to all nurses and midwives in the District. Job satisfaction of nurses and midwives could be improved if performance-based incentives policies are developed, promotion policies and opportunities for training programmes are strengthened.