Oman has inadequate health manpower, particularly doctors and nurses, as evident from the limited prospect for Omanization (employment of Omani nationals). Medical services in Oman have relied primarily on the recruitment of expatriate doctors and nurses from several countries. The solution to the present shortage in health professionals (doctors and nurses) is complex, but if we identify those factors that health professionals perceive as negative, because they contribute to dissatisfaction and turnover, possible interventions to improve working conditions may be developed. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the factors affecting job satisfaction of doctors and nurses, including differences in those factors related to nationality (Omani and non- Omani) and organisations. Three hospitals and three primary care health centres in Muscat Governorate were selected for the study. Job satisfaction was explored qualitatively via focus group interviews and quantitatively, using survey questionnaires. The job satisfaction questionnaires were based mainly on the instrument developed by Stamps et al. (1978). Factor analysis was employed to ascertain factors underlying job satisfaction.

Oman has inadequate health manpower, particularly doctors and nurses, as evident from the limited prospect for Omanization (employment of Omani nationals). Medical services in Oman have relied primarily on the recruitment of expatriate doctors and nurses from several countries. The solution to th...