Job Satisfaction of Primary Health Care Physicians at Capital Health Region, Kuwait

Objectives: To evaluate the extent of job satisfaction of primary health care physicians working in Capital Health Region. Subject and Methods: A population-based study was conducted during July 2004. Out of 95 questionnaires distributed to all physicians working in primary health care centers, Capital Region during the study period, 89 questionnaires were received. An English form self-administered questionnaire was used. The questionnaire collected information on socio-demographic characteristics and job satisfaction. Results: A total of 89 participants in the study consisted of 42 males and 47 females; 56.2% were Kuwaiti 82.0% were married and 73.0% had children. The overall satisfaction was 61.8%. Significantly the higher the age the higher the job satisfaction. There were no significant differences in overall job satisfaction for nationality, sex, marital status and number of children. The GPs were less satisfied with their rate of pay but more satisfied with their colleagues. Conclusion: Job satisfaction of primary health care physicians is critical for improvement of health systems. The results of our study showed that GPs were less satisfied with the rate of pay and the amount of variety in work. Young physicians appear to need more attention.