Safety Factors Predictive of Job Satisfaction and Job Retention Among Home Healthcare Aides

Objectives: Although many of the well known work characteristics associated with job satisfaction in home health care have been documented, a unique aspect of the home health care aides' (HHA) work environment that might also affect job satisfaction is the fact that their workplace is a household. To obtain a better understanding of the potential impact of the risks/exposures/hazards within the household environment on job satisfaction and job retention in home care, we recently conducted a risk assessment study. Methods: Survey data from a convenience sample of 823 New York City HHAs were obtained and analyzed. Results: Household/job-related risks, environmental exposures, transportation issues, threats/verbal and physical abuse, and potential for violence were significantly correlated with HHA job satisfaction and job retention. Conclusions: Addressing the mod modifiable risk factors in the home health care household may improve job satisfaction and reduce job turnover in this work population. (J Occup Environ Med. 2008;50:1430-1441)