WORK PLACE ENVIRONMENT AS A PREDICTOR OF FAMILY CONFLICT AMONG PHYSICIANS AND NURSES IN A UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Abstract

Key Introduction: Work-family conflicts are in a continuous rise all over the world. Hospital environment is recognized as a major predictor of this growing problem. Aim of Work: To determine the effect of work place environment on family conflicts and explore predictors for positive and negative work family conflicts among physicians and nurses in Tanta University Hospitals, Egypt. Materials and Methods : A cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 676 physicians and nurses in Tanta University Hospitals. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection which included: personal data, occupational history and household responsibilities. Scales for work to family and family to work spillover were used to assess work-family interface by evaluating 16 items in four domains and Job characteristics scales which included 5 domains. Results: Nearly half of studied participants had Moderate degree of negative work to family spillover (56.7%) and negative family to work spillover (49.6%). The negative work to family and family to work spillovers significantly increased by increasing number of shifts/week (r= 0. 104, p= 0.013, r= 0.125, p=0.003 respectively). Statistically significant negative correlations were detected between coworker’s support, supervisors support and both negative work to family spillover (r= -0.144, r=- 0.167, p=0. 0.001, respectively) and family to work spillovers (r = -0. 204, r =- 0.180, p=0. 0.001, respectively) . Statistically significant positive correlation was found between skill discretion, decision authority, coworkers support, supervisors support and both, positive work to family (r= 0.261, r=0.308, r=0.156, r=0.206, p= 0.001) and positive family to work spillovers (r= 0.246, r=0.292, r=0.156, r=0.175, p= 0.001). Conclusion and Recommendations: There is Moderate degree of work family conflicts which is affected by work environment conditions. In order to have a healthy work place and when planning for occupational health and safety program; there should be friendly supportive positive work place environment. Handling these conflicts effectively are mandatory.