Job satisfaction among doctors and nurses: a case study of federal medical centre Yola, Nigeria

Background: The quality of performance in the health sector to a large extent depends on whether health care providers are job satisfied or dissatisfied. The prevalence of dissatisfaction among doctors and nurses has not been given considerable attention in Nigeria though it affects patient satisfaction and is associated with reduced quality of care. This study assessed the level and factors determining job satisfaction among doctors and nurses in a federal tertiary institution. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted involving 58 doctors and 182 nurses. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire designed with a 5 point Lickert scale that determined various levels and factors of job satisfaction that relate to 4 domains: the hospital management, hospital facilities, health care providers and pay and benefits. Scores were added to give an aggregate score for each domain and overall. Independent t-test was used to test for statistical significance in satisfaction levels between doctors and nurses. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Overall 57.5% of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied, 18.9% neutral and 23.5% dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with all work domains. Doctors were significantly more satisfied than nurse with the hospital facilities; t=2.007, p= 0.046, while nurses were significantly more satisfied with their pay and benefits; t=-3.20, p =0.002. Conclusion: Most respondent in this study were satisfied with their jobs with minority satisfied with their remuneration. There is therefore a need to address the issue of improved remuneration for doctors and nurses.