Job satisfaction and associated factors among Public Health Inspectors in Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka: pre-COVID-19 era

Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) are key field health workers in Sri Lanka who are responsible for many preventive health functions in the community. Job satisfaction is one of the crucial factors which motivate field health care workers such as PHIs. The objective of this study is to examine the job satisfaction and its associated factors, and the problems and challenges faced by PHIs in the Sabaragamuwa Province while performing their duties. This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in all 29 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas of the Sabaragamuwa Province. Study unit was a PHI working in the Sabaragamuwa Province at the time of the study. All 128 PHIs fulfilled eligibility criteria, consented and were recruited. Validated self-administered questionnaire assessing socio-demographic and work characteristics, job satisfaction based on Herzberg's Two Factor Theory, factors influencing job satisfaction, and a diary for self-reporting of time utilisation were used for data collection. Out of the 128 PHIs recruited, 119 completed the questionnaire. Among intrinsic factors, responsibility showed highest level of satisfaction (n=100, 84%) and among extrinsic factors, it was interpersonal relationship (n=108, 90.8%). Highest percentage of dissatisfaction among intrinsic factors was shown for advancement (n=88, 73.9%) and among extrinsic factors, it was for income and payment (n=74, 62.2%). More PHIs were dissatisfied when their area population increased (p=0.04). PHIs who spent more time in the field were less satisfied compared to officers who spent less time in the field (p<0.01). Majority of the PHIs were not satisfied with their salary and allowances, system of promotion and training and thus, attention is needed on these areas to improve the job satisfaction of PHIs.