Work Related Quality of Life Among Health Care Workers in Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria
Keywords:
Healthcare Workers, Job Satisfaction, Occupational Stress, Work-Related Quality of LifeAbstract
Healthcare workers (HCWs) play a vital role in healthcare delivery, but various occupational stressors significantly impact their work-related quality of life (WRQoL). This study assesses WRQoL among HCWs in selected tertiary hospitals in Sokoto, Nigeria, identifying key determinants and providing recommendations for improvement. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 206 HCWs at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) and Specialist Hospital Sokoto (SHS). The WRQoL scale was used to assess different domains, and statistical methods, including Pearson's correlation and regression models, were applied to determine predictors of WRQoL. The findings indicate that WRQoL was moderate among participants, with significant correlations observed between WRQoL and factors such as age, years of experience, and hours worked per week. Nurses reported better WRQoL compared to doctors and pharmacists. High workload, insufficient staffing, and limited career advancement opportunities were identified as major challenges affecting WRQoL. The study also found that increased working hours negatively affected WRQoL, whereas more years of experience correlated positively with better outcomes. Laboratory scientists demonstrated significantly better WRQoL than other professionals. Addressing workload distribution, providing career growth opportunities, and implementing work-life balance strategies are essential measures to improve WRQoL among HCWs. Enhancing workplace conditions and mental health support programs can contribute to overall job satisfaction and healthcare efficiency.
References
1. Adeloye D, David RA, Olaogun AA, Auta A, Adesokan A, Gadanya M, et al. Health workforce and governance : the crisis in Nigeria. Hum Resour Health 2017;1–8.
2. Dubale BW, Friedman LE, Chemali Z, Denninger JW, Mehta DH, Alem A, et al. Systematic review of burnout among healthcare providers in sub-Saharan Africa. BMC Public Health. 2019 Sep;19(1):1247.
3. World Health Organization. Quality of care for maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health. Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, and Ageing. 2021. https://www.who.int/teams/maternal-newborn-child-adolescent-health-and-ageing/quality-of-care.Accessed 15Jan2022.
4. Lohr KN, Medicare: A Strategy for Quality Assurance Volume 1. Washington, D.C: National Academies Press; 1990.
5. Barbosa ML, Menezes TN de, Santos SR Dos, Olinda RA, Costa GMC. The quality of life of health professionals working in the prison system. Cien Saude Colet. 2018 Apr;23(4):1293–302.
6. Organization WH, for Economic Co-operation O, Development, for Reconstruction IB, Development. Delivering quality health services: a global imperative for universal health coverage. World Health Organization; 2018. 93 p.
7. Olawale OO, Taiwo OA, Hesham A. Quality of sleep and well-being of health workers in Najran, Saudi Arabia. Indian J Psychiatry. 2017;59(3):347–51.
8. Van Laar D, Edwards JA, Easton S. The Work-Related Quality of Life scale for healthcare workers. J Adv Nurs. 2007 Nov;60(3):325–33.
9. Hsu MY, Kernohan G. Dimensions of hospital nurses' quality of working life. J Adv Nurs. 2006 Apr;54(1):120–31.
10. Kim SO, Moon SH. Factors influencing turnover intention among male nurses in Korea. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(18).
11. Matlala NT, Malema RN, Bopape MA, Mphekgwana PM. The perceptions of professional nurses regarding factors affecting the provision of quality health care services at selected rural public clinics in the Capricorn district, Limpopo Province. African J Prim Heal Care Fam Med. 2021;13(1):1–8.
12. McFadden P, Ross J, Moriarty J, Mallett J, Schroder H, Ravalier J, et al. The Role of Coping in the Wellbeing and Work-Related Quality of Life of UK Health and Social Care Workers during COVID-19. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Jan;18(2).
