Job satisfaction and healthfulness amongst health care workers : a quantitative approach

Abstract

Stress is an essential component of life, as it can aid individuals overcome challenging obstacles. However, if stress levels are not managed adequately, the individual might be at risk of experiencing physical and mental health problems, which eventually could lead to burnout (Lou et al., 2016). The aim of this study was to assess the levels of stress and burnout amongst healthcare workers working within St. Vincent de Paul long-term care centre. This study adopted a quantitative approach; where following approval from the facility to act as the gatekeeper an online questionnaire was administered using a random sample method across different departments, namely: Occupational therapy, Physiotherapy, Day clinic and Wards, via random sampling. A total of 74 participants were recruited anonymously. The sample consisted of 31 males and 43 females, ranging from the ages of 18 to 50 and above. SPSS was used to input, interpret and analyse the data by using descriptive and non-parametric tests. It was found that 62 (83.8%) of participants were stressed, and only 12 (16.2%) were not. Furthermore, participants responses were mostly significant with occupation, age and gender. Females were most likely to report moderate to severe stress levels. The majority of participants were aged 50 and above and were most likely to experience stress and burnout symptoms. The significance between occupation and stress indicated that both occupations (Allied health and nurses) were most likely to experience stress, however, nurses felt that they were more stressed (n= 35, 92.1%). Based on the results of this study, it was recommended that further local research is to be conducted on the subject. Also, long-term care facilities are to provide social and emotional support services to healthcare professionals to ensure job satisfaction and healthfulness.