Analysis of the difference between urban and rural areas in job satisfaction of primary health care workers

Background: The purpose of this study is to investigate the influencing factors of job satisfaction and urban-rural differences among grassroots health workers in Anhui Province, and to provide a basis for the formulation of relevant health policies. Methods: A multi-stage sampling method was used to survey 8135 primary health care workers in Anhui Province. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, t-test, and logistic regression analysis to analyze the influencing factors of job satisfaction of primary health personnel and its urban-rural differences in Anhui Province. In addition, Fairlie decomposition analysis was used to quantify the contribution levels of different influencing factors. Results: Out of 8135 primary health workers, 3161 (38.9%) primary health workers were dissatisfied with their jobs. The percentage of job dissatisfaction was higher among rural primary health workers (39.8%) than urban primary health workers (36.7%).Fairliedecomposition analysis showed that 13.12% of the urban-rural difference in job satisfaction could be explained mainly with gender (24.00%), average annual income (-12.22%), overtime pay (8.94%), job-reward match (- 15.76%), unit-family support (-4.24%), and burnout (15.07%) differences. Conclusion: The results of the study will help the Chinese government to provide a basis for improving the job satisfaction of primary health care personnel, narrowing the gap between urban and rural primary health care personnel's job satisfaction, formulating relevant health policies, and promoting the better development of primary health care.