The relationship between job satisfaction, work stress, work-family conflict, and turnover intention among physicians in Guangdong, China: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open. 2017 May 12;7(5):e014894. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014894.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the relationship between job satisfaction, work stress, work-family conflict and turnover intention, and explore factors associated with turnover intention, among physicians in Guangdong Province, China.

Methods: From August to October 2013, physicians completed questionnaires and scales with regard to their job satisfaction, work stress, work-family conflict, and turnover intention. Binary logistic regression and structural equation modelling (SEM) were used in data analysis.

Results: A total of 3963 physicians were approached, with 3563 completing the questionnaire. The mean score of the overall perception of turnover intention of physicians who worked in Guangdong was 2.71 on a scale ranging from 1 to 6. Hours worked per week, working in an urban/rural area, type of institution, and age significantly impacted on turnover intention. Turnover intention was directly and negatively related to job satisfaction, and it was directly, indirectly and positively related to work stress and work-family conflict.

Conclusion: Job satisfaction, work stress, work-family conflict, hours worked per week, working in an urban/rural area, types of institution and age are influencing factors of turnover intention. Reducing working hours, raising salary, providing more opportunities for career development and training, supporting and encouraging physicians by senior managers could potentially contribute to the reduction in turnover intention.

Keywords: Job satisfaction; Physicians; Turnover intention; Work stress; Work-family conflict.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • China / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Health Care Reform
  • Health Services Research
  • Humans
  • Intention
  • Job Satisfaction*
  • Male
  • Occupational Stress / epidemiology
  • Occupational Stress / psychology*
  • Personnel Turnover / statistics & numerical data*
  • Physicians* / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Work Schedule Tolerance / psychology*
  • Work-Life Balance / statistics & numerical data*
  • Workload / statistics & numerical data
  • Young Adult