Factors associated with the health workers job satisfaction in maternal health care units of government dispensaries and health centres in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Determine the level of job satisfaction of workers working in maternal health care units of dispensaries and health centre in Dar es Salaam region The study involved 206 workers and data was collected using structured interviews. Results of the study generally revealed that a fairly high proportion of workers (63%) in maternal care units in these health facilities were dissatisfied with their job and about 10% had even thought of resigning. Poor conditions of the working environment were among factors which contributed to this problem. Working facilities such as delivery kits were not always available and water for washing hands and general cleaning was found to be a problem. Although job evaluation was done at least once annually, nearly 50% of the workers did not receive any feedback Similarly, only 30% of the workers received any feedback from hospitals where they referred patients. Verbal rewards were the most commonly used type of reinforce especially from patients. Most workers were of the opinion that they were overworked and underpaid. They suggested that their salaries and other financial incentives should be improved. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that special attention should be paid to method of improving motivation of this category of workers as one of the ways of addressing factors which contributed to improvement of maternal health in the country.