Work-related quality of life and associated factors among healthcare professionals in public hospitals of Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Work-Related Quality of Life (WRQoL) reflects healthcare professionals' (HCPs) well-being and satisfaction in their work environment. It is a key determinant of retention, productivity, and organizational effectiveness. Despite its importance, evidence on WRQoL in Ethiopia remains limited. OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of WRQoL and its associated factors among HCPs in public hospitals of Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A facility‑based cross‑sectional study was conducted from May 15 to June 15, 2024, among 408 HCPs selected through simple random sampling. Of these, 385 participated, yielding a response rate of 94.4%. Data were collected using a self‑administered questionnaire, entered into EpiData version 4.7, and analyzed with SPSS version 27.0. WRQoL mean scores were calculated and treated as continuous variables in regression analyses, while descriptive presentation used standard cut‑off classifications. Linear regression analyses were performed. Simple linear regression was initially used to screen candidate variables, and those with p < .25 were entered into a multiple linear regression model. Final results are presented from the multiple regression analysis as coefficients (B, β) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Statistical significance was set at p < .05. RESULTS: The overall WRQoL mean score was 2.45 ± 0.61 (95% CI: 2.39-2.51) on a five-point Likert scale. Domain analysis showed the highest score in control at work (2.84 ± 0.83), while working conditions (2.26 ± 0.82) and general well-being (2.34 ± 0.73) were lowest. Tertile classification revealed that 36.1% of participants had low WRQoL, 33.2% moderate and 30.6% high WRQoL. In multiple regression, monthly income (β = 0.193, p =.003) was positively associated with WRQoL, whereas psychological distress (β = -0.166, p =.003), longer work experience (β = -0.195, p =.016), and professional category (midwives: β = -0.215, p <.001; medical doctors: β = -0.137, p =.010) were negatively associated. CONCLUSIONS: More than one third of HCPs experience low WRQoL, with deficits in working conditions and well-being. Addressing workload, inequities across professional categories, and psychosocial stressors, while strengthening resources such as fair income and supportive environments, is essential to improve WRQoL and ensure better patient care outcomes.