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Human Resources for Health
Published in: Human Resources for Health 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research

Job satisfaction and turnover intention among Iraqi doctors - a descriptive cross-sectional multicentre study

Authors: Saad Ahmed Ali Jadoo, Syed Mohamed Aljunid, Ilker Dastan, Ruqiya Subhi Tawfeeq, Mustafa Ali Mustafa, Kurubaran Ganasegeran, Sami Abdo Radman AlDubai

Published in: Human Resources for Health | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

During the last two decades, the Iraqi human resources for health was exposed to an unprecedented turnover of trained and experienced medical professionals. This study aimed to explore prominent factors affecting turnover intentions among Iraqi doctors.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional multicentre study was carried out among 576 doctors across 20 hospitals in Iraq using multistage sampling technique. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire, which included socio-demographic information, work characteristics, the 10-item Warr-Cook-Wall job satisfaction scale, and one question on turnover intention. Descriptive and bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify significant factors affecting turnover intentions.

Results

More than one half of Iraqi doctors (55.2%) were actively seeking alternative employment. Factors associated with turnover intentions among doctors were low job satisfaction score (odds ratio (OR) = 0.97; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.95, 0.99), aged 40 years old or less (OR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.74, 4.75), being male (OR = 4.2; 95% CI: 2.54, 7.03), being single (OR = 5.0; 95% CI: 2.61, 9.75), being threatened (OR = 3.5; 95% CI: 1.80, 6.69), internally displaced (OR = 3.1; 95% CI: 1.43, 6.57), having a perception of unsafe medical practice (OR = 4.1; 95% CI: 1.86, 9.21), working more than 40 h per week, (OR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.27, 4.03), disagreement with the way manager handles staff (OR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.19, 4.03), being non-specialist, (OR = 3.9, 95% CI: 2.08, 7.13), and being employed in the government sector only (OR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.09, 3.82).

Conclusion

The high-turnover intention among Iraqi doctors is significantly associated with working and security conditions. An urgent and effective strategy is required to prevent doctors’ exodus.
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Metadata
Title
Job satisfaction and turnover intention among Iraqi doctors - a descriptive cross-sectional multicentre study
Authors
Saad Ahmed Ali Jadoo
Syed Mohamed Aljunid
Ilker Dastan
Ruqiya Subhi Tawfeeq
Mustafa Ali Mustafa
Kurubaran Ganasegeran
Sami Abdo Radman AlDubai
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Human Resources for Health / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1478-4491
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12960-015-0014-6

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