QUALITY OF LIFE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PHYSICIANS, IN AL-AHSA, SAUDI ARABIA

Background: Primary health care (PHC) physicians play a crucial role in health systems. Their quality of life (QoL) impacts service provision and patient care. Evidence on QoL among PHC doctors in Saudi Arabia is limited.

Objective: This study aimed to assess QoL and associated factors among PHC physicians in the Al-Ahsa region of Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 199 PHC physicians working in Ministry of Health centers in Al-Ahsa. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire including the WHOQOL-BREF scale and items on hypothesized QoL predictors. Descriptive analysis was conducted for QoL domain scores. ANOVA, t-tests and multiple linear regression were applied to examine variations and factors associated with overall QoL.

Results: The mean physical, psychological, social and environmental QoL domain scores ranged from 63.8-65.0 out of 100. Male physicians reported higher physical domain scores compared to females (p=0.001). Regional differences were observed, with Southern province physicians having highest psychological and social relationship scores (p<0.05). Physical health and environment were positively associated with overall QoL in regression analysis (p≤0.01).

Conclusion: PHC physicians in Saudi Arabia have moderately positive QoL across domains, but gender and geographic variations exist. Improving workplace environment and promoting physician health are essential to enhance QoL. Multidimensional strategies are required to support PHC physicians.