Abstract

Background: Job satisfaction among healthcare workers is a key determinant of performance and patient outcomes, yet it remains underexplored in resource limited settings like Uganda. Understanding the factors influencing satisfaction, particularly in regional hospitals, is critical for workforce stability and improved healthcare delivery. Aim: This study aimed to identify the factors associated with job satisfaction among healthcare workers at Arua Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2020 to April 2021, enrolling 219 healthcare workers. Participants completed a self-administered, pre-tested questionnaire with 69 items on job satisfaction. Principal component analysis identified key satisfaction factors, while associations were examined using Poisson regression. Results: The mean age of participants was 35.4 ± 7.5 years, with the majority being female (52.5%) and nurses (46.6%). Job satisfaction was significantly higher among healthcare workers aged 35-39 years (aPR = 1.46) and 40+ years (aPR = 2.87), as well as females (aPR = 1.30) and Muslims (aPR = 1.45). In contrast, longer service (>5 years) was associated with lower satisfaction. Key factors influencing satisfaction included peer recognition, autonomy, teamwork, access to training, and leadership style. Overall, job satisfaction was moderate (60.7%). Conclusion: Job satisfaction among healthcare workers at Arua Regional Referral Hospital was moderate. Factors such as age, gender, religion, and years of experience played a significant role in satisfaction levels, with peer recognition, autonomy, and leadership being central drivers. Improving autonomy, recognition, and incentives especially for long-serving staff could enhance satisfaction, improve staff retention, and ultimately support better healthcare outcomes.

Keywords: Job satisfaction, Healthcare workers, Uganda, Arua Regional Referral Hospital, Workforce motivation, Health policy, retention