Predictors of “quality of work” and “poor health” among primary health‐care personnel in Catalonia: Evidence based on cross‐sectional, retrospective and longitudinal design
International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance
ISSN: 0952-6862
Article publication date: 21 March 2008
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to test a theoretically driven model of the relationship between job demands, employees' motivation and resources, and supervisory support on employees' quality of work lives and their general health.
Deisgn/methodology/approach
The study uses large survey data that were collected in the years 1995, 2002, and 2003 respectively, drawn from the public health care employees sector in Catalonia (Spain). Albeit cross‐sectional methodology, the study embraces an additional retrospective and longitudinal design.
Findings
The 2002 cross‐sectional study (n=2,926) supports the assertion made by stress researchers regarding the extent to which both job demands and lack of supervisory support predict low QWL and negative health outcomes: perceived motivation, resources and capabilities also appear as determinants but to a lesser extent. The stability of the results obtained was tested retrospectively by cross‐legging the model for the 1995 survey (n=2,901). In addition, a follow‐up study (i.e. longitudinal) was conducted in 2003 (n=10,003) to see whether the model still holds. By and large, the three‐level design shows the stability of the prediction in the same direction.
Practical implications
The paper discusses some possible prevention strategies to reduce the low QWL and negative health outcomes within the Public Health Sector.
Originality/value
The paper covers all categories of personnel in the health care personnel and thus external validity is very strong. Findings permit the taking of concrete actions to reduce stress, reduce negative health outcomes and by and large enhance the quality of work lives of the people in this sector.
Keywords
Citation
Dolan, S.L., García, S., Cabezas, C. and Tzafrir, S.S. (2008), "Predictors of “quality of work” and “poor health” among primary health‐care personnel in Catalonia: Evidence based on cross‐sectional, retrospective and longitudinal design", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 21 No. 2, pp. 203-218. https://doi.org/10.1108/09526860810859058
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited