Job satisfaction and mental health of Sri Lankan doctors

Abstract

AIM: To measure job satisfaction and mental wellbeing among medical practitioners working in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka. METHODOLOGY: A cross sectional survey was conducted on randomly selected doctors working in three large hospitals in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka in 2008 and 2009. Warr, Cook, and Wall job satisfaction scale and the 12-item General Health Questionnaire were used respectively to measure job satisfaction and mental health wellbeing of doctors. RESULTS: A total of 172 doctors responded (response rate 28.6%). Average job satisfaction score was 47.8 (range- 10-70) and 43.6% of doctors reported high job satisfaction. Better remuneration (97.1%) and better working hours (44.8%) were identified as ways to improve job satisfaction. Average GHQ-12 score was 1.9 and less than 10% scored greater than 3. No doctor reported drinking daily or using recreational drugs. CONCLUSION: The response rate was low, thus preventing generalization of findings. The majority of doctors responding had good job satisfaction.