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.
['Opoku|Samuel T|ST|', 'Apenteng|Bettye A|BA|']
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 D012456:Salaries and Fringe Benefits D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires D055815:Young Adult
Career satisfaction Burnout Physicians Ghana Africa