Factors Affecting Job Satisfaction of Dietitians in West Bank Hospitals, Palestine
Date
2024-05-19
Authors
Maysaa Rifat Fathi Shaikh Ibrahim
ميساء رفعت فتحي شيخ ابراهيم
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Al-Quds University
Abstract
In the health sector, human resources are a crucial part of the system, with dietitians forming an important segment of the healthcare workforce in Palestine, classified under allied medical professions. Given the critical role that job satisfaction plays within human resources, this study employs it as a key metric to evaluate the professional landscape for dietitians.
Objective: This research aimed to assess the level of job satisfaction among dietitians working in hospitals throughout the Palestinian West Bank.
Methods: Employing a cross-sectional design, the study utilized a self-administered questionnaire distributed in October 2023 to all 35 dietitians practicing in the region. The instrument was validated and tested for reliability. It included sections addressing employment status and job satisfaction, the latter measured via a five-point Likert scale.
Results: Despite the presence of 51 hospitals in the West Bank (excluding Jerusalem), only 35 dietitians were employed. A majority 63.6% reported satisfaction with their roles. The highest satisfaction levels were observed in "Communication with medical staff and patients. "Other dimensions such as "Area of Practice," "Adjustments in Staffing and Patient Numbers" "Work Environment (Infrastructure)," and " Policies and Protocols " also demonstrated high satisfaction. "Performance Development" and "Incentive Systems," however, received moderate and neutral levels of satisfaction, with the "Incentive System" experiencing the lowest satisfaction rates. An important result was the average dietitians to patient ratio was 1:19.
Conclusion: The findings indicate a generally positive perception of job satisfaction among dietitians in the West Bank, particularly in communication and operational aspects of their roles.
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However, areas related to performance incentives and development require attention to enhance overall job satisfaction. These results highlighted the need for targeted interventions to improve employment conditions and retention strategies within hospital settings.