Examining Psychological Wellbeing of Healthcare Workers: Implications for Policy and Practice

A well-functioning healthcare task force and system is important in order to achieve the UN’s Millennium Development Goal of universal health coverage. However, the health and wellbeing of healthcare workers has become a global concern that influences quality of care, satisfaction of patients, and productivity. This study examines the work life and psychological wellbeing of healthcare workers in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. This study uses quantitative research methods with a correctional survey design. Whereby three hundred eight healthcare filled out Ryff’s Psychosocial Wellbeing Scale Work and Family Conflict Scale (WAFCS), this has measured psychological wellbeing and work-life balance, respectively. The mean, standard deviation, one sample t-test, independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, and MANOVA were used to analyse data. Healthcare workers reported a low score of overall psychological wellbeing. There is a positive relationship between work-life balance and psychological wellbeing, which is significant. A significant difference in psychological wellbeing across marital status is noted, but there was no significant difference based on gender and marital status. The overall psychological wellbeing of healthcare workers in the Amhara region of Ethiopia was poor. Work-life balance and educational level have significant influence on psychological wellbeing, while gender has not. Therefore, there is an implications for policy uptake to promote psychological wellbeing of healthcare workers in low- income countries including Ethiopia. Key words: Psychological Wellbeing, Self-Acceptance, Purpose in Life, Environmental Mastery, Autonomy, Personal Growth, Positive Relations with Others Work Life Balance,