Experience of Job Satisfaction Among Thai Female Health Science Academics: A Qualitative Descriptive Research Study

Due to a shortage of university academics across many countries, especially in the health sciences, and female academics being underrepresented in top academic positions worldwide, understanding job satisfaction experiences and their sources may help reduce turnover intention and improve productivity. This study aims to assess job satisfaction experiences among female health science academics in one of Thailand's leading universities. A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with 20 female academics in the health science area in one city in Thailand. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that female academics were satisfied with their jobs. Five themes related to sources of job satisfaction are acceptance and respect from society, seeing the students' outcomes, desirable jobs, support for work, and having a work-life balance. Governments and organizations can enhance female academic satisfaction by creating pleasant jobs and good work environments, improving work-life balance, career advancement, and involvement in decision-making.