Job satisfaction and its associated factors among medical and health officers in Northeastern Peninsular Malaysia

In Malaysia, medical and health officers are essential to primary healthcare delivery, making their job satisfaction critical for enhancing engagement and commitment, which in turn improves healthcare quality. This study aimed to assess job satisfaction scores and identify associated factors among medical and health officers in Northeastern Peninsular Malaysia. A cross-sectional study involving 200 participants who were selected randomly from district health offices and a state health department was conducted. The Malay version of the Psychosocial Aspect of Work Questionnaire was utilized, measuring job satisfaction, social support, and mental stress. Multiple linear regression analyses were applied to identify the factors associated with job satisfaction scores. It was found that the mean (SD) job satisfaction score was 26.4 (4.7). Factors significantly associated with job satisfaction scores included satisfaction with income (adjusted regression coefficient, b = 1.218, 95% CI: 0.118, 2.317, p = 0.030), permanent employment status (b = 1.754, 95% CI: 0.104, 3.403, p = 0.037), and social support (b = 1.206, 95% CI: 0.979, 1.432, p < 0.001). In conclusion, satisfaction with income, permanent employment status, and social support were identified as significant factors associated with job satisfaction. These findings show the importance of addressing financial and employment stability, as well as linking a supportive work environment, to enhance job satisfaction among healthcare workers. Addressing these factors presents a plausible pathway that may support better professional engagement and commitment, which the broader literature frequently links to the overall quality of healthcare services.