Stress And Job Satisfaction Among Medical Laboratory Professionals

Abstract

Background: Job satisfaction is a quality indicator that measures the cognitive and behavioral aspects of workers’ attitudes toward their job. A positive psychological work environment is important to protect medical laboratory professionals’ (MLPs’) health, well-being and work ability. Job satisfaction leads to MLPs being more productive. However, when the job requirements do not meet the capabilities it will cause stress. Therefore, it is important to define the cause of dissatisfaction to reduce work-induced stress as this has a negative impact on the quality of healthcare services. The literature on stress and satisfaction studying MLPs is still limited. The aim of this study was to assess the relationships between stress and job satisfaction factors among MLPs in hospitals, and to quantify a possible correlation between job stress and job satisfaction. Methods: A cross sectional study involved all MLPs in the Al Noor Specialist Hospital in Makkah at KSA from January to March 2023, with 336 responding, applying a survey instrument measuring job satisfaction developed from results of qualitative studies. In addition, job stress was assessed using a survey based on the Nurse Stress Index (NSI). Results: The results show a significant statistical association between stress and job satisfaction. The most important dissatisfaction factors, leading to job stress, are insufficient support for professional development, poor relations with supervisors and co-workers, as well as heavy workload. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of investing in measures to [1]meet the expectations of laboratory staff, to strengthen factors that increase satisfaction and eliminate dissatisfaction factors. It gives concrete advice on what those measures should be and, consequently, guides actions on improving the work environment in medical laboratories. When implemented those would reduce job stress among medical laboratory professionals and, possibly, more widely.