Factors associated with satisfaction of Italian physicians: a cross-sectional study in Rome

Giuseppe Furia^1,2Antonio Vinci³Aurora Heidar Alizadeh^2,4*Martina Sapienza^2,5Cosimo Savoia⁴Maria Grazia Tarsitano^2,6Cristina Patrizi^2,7Massimo Maurici⁸Giovanni Capelli^2,9Gianfranco Damiani^10,2,4

• ¹Department of Public Health and Infectious Disease, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Lazio, Italy
• ²Directive Council of the Physicians and Dental Surgeons Board of the Province of Rome, Rome, Sicily, Italy
• ³Doctoral School of Nursing Sciences and Public Health, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Lazio, Italy
• ⁴Department of Health Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Rome, Italy
• ⁵National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), Rome, Lazio, Italy
• ⁶Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, Università telematica San Raffaele, Rome, Lazio, Italy
• ⁷ASL Rome 2, Local Health District 5, Rome, Italy
• ⁸Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Lazio, Italy
• ⁹National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, National Institute of Health (ISS), Rome, Lazio, Italy
• ¹⁰Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic (IRCCS), Rome, Lazio, Italy

Healthcare workers' (HCW) quality of life and job satisfaction are critical for their well-being and performance, influencing patient outcomes and reducing burnout. Burnout, linked to excessive workloads, night shifts, and low income, is a recognized issue among HCW, exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to explore work-life balance and professional satisfaction among members of the Physicians and Dental Surgeons Board of Rome (OMCeO Rome). A crosssectional survey was conducted from March to June 2023 among OMCeO Rome members. An anonymous, digitally designed questionnaire assessed sociodemographic and professional data, perceived stress, and overall satisfaction using a Likert scale. Data were analyzed descriptively, and logistic regression identified predictors of satisfaction. The survey included 1,104 respondents, predominantly aged over 50. Satisfaction levels were polarized: 47.4% reported high satisfaction, while 49.4% expressed low satisfaction. Night shifts and income below €100,000/year were significantly associated with lower satisfaction (OR 1.9 and OR 3.9, respectively). General practitioners/primary care paediatricians reported the highest stress levels, while self-employed professionals showed the lowest stress and intention to quit. Work-life balance challenges, including night shifts and inadequate income, strongly influence HCW job satisfaction. Addressing these factors through administrative support, reduced workloads, and targeted interventions could mitigate burnout and improve care quality. Further studies should explore systemic and individual strategies to enhance HCW well-being and professional sustainability.