Sociodemographic Characteristics and Job Satisfaction of Psychiatrists in China: Results From the First Nationwide Survey

• Published in: Psychiatric services (Washington, D.C.) Vol. 69; no. 12; pp. 1245 - 1251
• Main Authors: Jiang, Feng, Hu, Linlin, Rakofsky, Jeffrey, Liu, Tingfang, Wu, Shichao, Zhao, Pengyu, Hu, Guangyu, Wan, Xia, Liu, Huanzhong, Liu, Yuanli, Tang, Yi-lang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Psychiatric Association 01.12.2018; American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc
• Subjects: Job satisfaction; Mental health care; Polls & surveys; Psychiatrists; Sociodemographics; China; Job satisfaction; Burnout; Mental health systems/hospitals; China; Health care reform; Psychiatry/general
• ISSN: 1075-2730; 1557-9700
• DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.201800197

Objective:The aim of the study was to establish a comprehensive understanding of the sociodemographic characteristics of psychiatrists in China and their working environment and job satisfaction.Methods:As part of a national survey, the authors conducted China’s first survey in 32 tertiary psychiatric hospitals, including administration of a structured questionnaire for psychiatrists. Participants also completed the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ).Results:Of 3,363 surveyed psychiatrists, 2,715 (81%) responded, and 2,602 (77%) completed the survey. Among completers, 58% were women, and 83% were ages 30–49. Significant differences were found in actual and expected monthly income between male and female psychiatrists and across various regions. The mean±SD MSQ score was 71.6±14.3, suggesting moderate job satisfaction. The top three reasons for dissatisfaction were low pay, contentious doctor-patient relationships, and a heavy workload. One-fifth (20%) of participants reported an intention to quit their jobs. MSQ score was significantly associated with younger age, shorter working hours, higher monthly pay, and a smaller gap between expected and actual pay. Being in an administrative position, having medical liability insurance, and not having experienced medical disputes appeared to have a positive impact on job satisfaction.Conclusions:Compared with their international counterparts, psychiatrists in China have a low level of the job satisfaction, especially those in West China. Given China’s increasing demand for psychiatric services, policy makers in China urgently need to find ways to improve the job satisfaction of working psychiatrists and should consider enhancements in financial compensation, the working environment, and malpractice insurance coverage.