Correlates of Job Satisfaction among Health Care Professionals in Kuwait

Objectives: Job satisfaction of health care providers (physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and medical laboratory technologists) was analyzed in relation to specific background and work environment characteristics in a multicultural setting. Methods: A stratified random sample was used to collect the data from six general hospitals in Kuwait. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire distributed to 500 health care providers, of whom 370 (74%) responded. Results: In bivariate analysis, nationality, education, age, and total experience were found to be significant determinants of job satisfaction. However, in multivariate analysis, three work environment characteristics emerged as significant determinants of job satisfaction. The nationality of the supervisor and in-service training showed a positive relationship with job satisfaction while the existence of unhealthy competition decreased job satisfaction. Conclusions: In view of the findings, employee job satisfaction can be improved through control of unhealthy competition, provision of an orientation to the job, and provision of effective in-service training.