Job satisfaction among anesthetists in Ethiopia-a national cross-sectional study

Background Ethiopia has substantially increased production of associate clinician anesthetists. This study aimed to determine the level of and factors that predict job satisfaction among a national sample of anesthetists. Methods A cross-sectional study conducted in 2014 sampled 252 anesthetists. Respondents rated 37 items related to job satisfaction and working and living conditions using a Likert scale, which ranged from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine factors associated with the main outcome variable, level of job satisfaction. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to show the magnitude of associations. Results Less than half (n = 107, 42.5%) of anesthetists were satisfied with their job. Work environment (aOR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.06, 3.31) and more than 10 years of experience working in the public health system (aOR = 4.96, 95% CI = 1.11, 22.13) were predictors of job satisfaction in the multivariable model. Conclusion Ethiopian anesthetists have low levels of job satisfaction, with work environment and years of experience being factors that predict their satisfaction positively. Motivation and retention of this cadre will require emphasis on creating a safe and conducive work environment, and interventions designed to motivate junior anesthetists.