Care for the Carers: An Evaluation of Job Satisfaction of Community Healthcare Workers in Charge of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control in Vietnam

Abstract

Purpose: This study explored job satisfaction and associated factors among community healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 319 HCWs in charge of infectious disease prevention and control activities at all commune healthcare centers in Ho Chi Minh City. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire which included the 36-item Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS). Results: Most participants were male (56.7%), and the mean age was 34.7 (SD=7.1) years. The overall job satisfaction was relatively low. Among 9 aspects measured, coworker was found to have the highest level of satisfaction (19.6 +/- 3.9), followed by supervision (19.3 +/- 4.1). In contrast, the lowest level of satisfaction was observed in operating condition (11.4 +/- 3.4) and contingent rewards (14.3 +/- 3.8). The total score of the JSS indicated that only half of HCWs were satisfied with their job in general. Older male HCWs who were married and those who had higher income reported a higher level of job satisfaction in several aspects measured. However, there was no association between job satisfaction and other HCW's characteristics, including specialty, occupation type, and working experience. Conclusion: Since this is the crucial workforce in the battle against infectious diseases, urgent interventions are needed to increase job satisfaction in this population.