Safety factors predictive of job satisfaction and job retention among home healthcare aides

• Published in: Journal of occupational and environmental medicine Vol. 50; no. 12; p. 1430
• Main Authors: Sherman, Martin F, Gershon, Robyn R M, Samar, Stephanie M, Pearson, Julie M, Canton, Allison N, Damsky, Marc R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.12.2008
• Subjects: Adult; Age Factors; Attitude of Health Personnel; Female; Health Surveys; Home Health Aides - psychology; Home Health Aides - statistics & numerical data; Humans; Job Satisfaction; Labor Unions; Male; Middle Aged; New York City; Occupational Exposure - statistics & numerical data; Personnel Turnover; Regression Analysis; Risk Assessment - methods; Risk Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Violence - statistics & numerical data; New York City
• ISSN: 1536-5948
• DOI: 10.1097/jom.0b013e31818a388e

Although many of the well known work characteristics associated with job satisfaction in home health care have been documented, a unique aspect of the home health care aides' (HHA) work environment that might also affect job satisfaction is the fact that their workplace is a household. To obtain a better understanding of the potential impact of the risks/exposures/hazards within the household environment on job satisfaction and job retention in home care, we recently conducted a risk assessment study. Survey data from a convenience sample of 823 New York City HHAs were obtained and analyzed. Household/job-related risks, environmental exposures, transportation issues, threats/verbal and physical abuse, and potential for violence were significantly correlated with HHA job satisfaction and job retention. Addressing the modifiable risk factors in the home health care household may improve job satisfaction and reduce job turnover in this work population.