Career satisfaction and burnout among Ghanaian physicians.
BACKGROUND
Thus far, there has been limited inquiry into the factors associated with physician career satisfaction and burnout in Ghana, although the two have been linked to the brain drain problem. The objective of this study was to assess career satisfaction and burnout among physicians practicing in a developing nation, Ghana.


METHODS
A 21-item instrument was used to assess career satisfaction among actively practicing Ghanaian physicians, using items adapted from the Physician Worklife Study survey. Burnout was assessed using the Abbreviated Maslach's Burnout Inventory. Two hundred physicians participated in the online survey from December 2012 to February 2013.


RESULTS
Generally, physicians in Ghana expressed moderate overall career satisfaction. However, they were least satisfied with the availability of resources, their compensation and work-life balance. Overall, burnout was low in the study population; however physicians exhibited moderate levels of emotional exhaustion. Career satisfaction was negatively associated with the burnout dimensions of depersonalization, emotional exhaustion and low personal accomplishment.


CONCLUSIONS
Health policy-makers in Ghana should address issues relating to resource adequacy, compensation and the work-life balance of physicians in order to improve the overall career satisfaction of an already dwindling physician workforce.
Department of Health Services Research & Administration, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
Samuel T
ST
Opoku
Bettye A
BA
Apenteng
D000124:Achievement; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002055:Burnout, Professional; D003625:Data Collection; D003861:Depersonalization; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D005869:Ghana; D006295:Health Resources; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology; D012456:Salaries and Fringe Benefits; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
Africa; Burnout; Career satisfaction; Ghana; Physicians