Physicians’ Job Satisfaction with the Medical Profession and Its Influencing Factors: A Cross-Sectional Survey Among Iranian Physicians

Mahla  Iranmanesh; Milad Ahmadi  Gohari; Aliakbar  Haghdoost; Maryam  Yazdanpanah; Abbas  Kamyabi; Simin  Salehinejad; Vahid  Yazdi-Feyzabadi

doi:10.18502/ijre.v20i4.18870

Mahla Iranmanesh PhD Student in Health Services Management, Modeling in Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Milad Ahmadi Gohari M.Sc in Biostatistics, Modeling in Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Aliakbar Haghdoost Professor of Epidemiology, HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Maryam Yazdanpanah General Practitioner, Medical Informatics Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Abbas Kamyabi General Practitioner, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Simin Salehinejad Ph.D. Health in Disasters and Emergencies, Health in Disasters and Emergencies Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Vahid Yazdi-Feyzabadi Associate Professor of Health Policy, Health Services Management Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijre.v20i4.18870

Keywords: Job satisfaction, Physician, Survey study, Proxy respondent

Abstract

Background and Objectives: In the field of medicine, job satisfaction holds significant importance, as it plays a vital role in the quality of healthcare services. This study aimed to assess physicians' job satisfaction levels and identify the related factors.

Methods: This cross-sectional survey study was conducted online in 2023 among 1,100 Iranian physicians using a respondent substitution method. Physicians answered the questions regarding themselves and their closest physician friend, with whom they maintain regular contact and interactions. Satisfaction was categorized using a Likert scale into two scales: sufficient satisfaction (very high and high) and insufficient satisfaction (very low, low, and moderate). Factors affecting job satisfaction among physicians were determined using multivariable logistic regression.

Results: Among the 2,200 physicians, 24.9% (547 individuals) of the physicians were satisfied with their profession, while 75.1% (1,653 individuals) had low or moderate (insufficient) satisfaction. The odds of male physicians being satisfied with their profession were 1.54 times higher than female physicians. Factors including interest in medicine, the amount of time spent practicing medicine, sufficient income, low occupational stress, high job stability, no reduction in professional autonomy compared to the past, migration status, time dedicated to practicing medicine in public and private sectors as well as in academic activities, pursuing further education, and the physician’s income were all positively and significantly correlated to job satisfaction (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Job satisfaction among Iranian physicians is significantly influenced by various factors such as interest in medicine, adequate income, job stability, and reduced job stress. The highest level of satisfaction was observed among male physicians. Improving working conditions and reducing job stress are essential to improving job satisfaction and the quality of healthcare services.