Impact of Work-Related Characteristics on the Job Satisfaction of Physiotherapists Working in Government Hospitals in the Western Province, Sri Lanka

Abstract

In today's world, physiotherapists are facing many challenges due to the dynamic nature of their working environment. This study aimed to investigate the influence of work-related factors on job satisfaction among government physiotherapists in the Western province, Sri Lanka. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 135 consented physiotherapists through a self-administered, validated survey questionnaire, adopted from Spector’s job satisfaction nine facet scale. A 6-point Likert scale was used to evaluate answers for each facet of job satisfaction. Based on the overall score, job satisfaction was categorized as satisfied (>144), ambivalent (108-144) and dissatisfied (<108). Descriptive statistics and Pearson A Chi-square test were performed using SPSS. The majority of the participants were between 31-40 years of age (50.4%) and females (51.9%). Most of them were degree holders (56.3%) and had 6-10 years of work experience (54.1%). Out of the 135 physiotherapists, 95(70.4%) were working in Teaching Hospitals. However, only 50 (37%) of them were practicing in their preferred clinical area. Although 102 (75.5%) participants were working more than five days per week, most of them (57.8%) were not performing night duties. Eighty-nine (65.9%) participants were engaged in private practice. In the assessment of overall job satisfaction, 39 (28.8%) were satisfied, 85 (62.9%) were ambivalent, and 11 (8.1%) were dissatisfied with their job. A significant association was found between the place of work, involvement in private practice, and job satisfaction (P<0.05). The field of work, working patterns, and night shifts had no significant impact (P>0.05) on the job satisfaction of the physiotherapists.