Predictors of US Academic Pediatricians’ Life Satisfaction in 2022

Cull W, Frintner M, Byrne B

Presented at the 2024 Pediatric Academic Societies Annual Meeting

Background: Measures of physician satisfaction include assessment of satisfaction with current job, specialty choice, or career.  A broader measure less frequently examined is satisfaction with life as a whole. The AAP Pediatrician Life and Career Experience Study (PLACES) captures a variety of personal and professional variables, allowing for a broader examination of life satisfaction.

Objective: To examine academic pediatricians’ satisfaction with their life as a whole in 2022 by identifying personal and professional predictors.

Methods: National, weighted 2022 data from PLACES were analyzed. The participation rate was 79%.  We focused on pediatricians who reported a current academic faculty appointment (n = 890), and excluded adjunct, volunteer, and courtesy faculty. We conducted multivariable logistic regression using forward stepwise variable selection to examine predictors of pediatricians reporting they are very or completely satisfied with their life as a whole. A range of personal and work characteristics and experiences were included as possible predictors.  The final model included those surviving the stepwise regression at p<0.05. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals are presented for the final model.  

Results: Six in 10 (61%) academic pediatricians in PLACES reported being very or completely satisfied with their lives in 2022. Eleven predictors emerged from the regression model. Six had positive associations and five had negative associations with very or completely satisfied (see Table).  Satisfaction with amount of time to pursue personal interests/hobbies (aOR=2.32; 95% CI=1.49-3.62), having relationships with patients and families that are rewarding (aOR=2.17; 95% CI=1.15-4.12), and meeting exercise recommendations (aOR=2.07; 95% CI=1.48-2.90) were the strongest positive predictors. Feeling you are not accomplishing anything worthwhile at work (aOR=0.34; 95% CI=0.23-0.53), and feeling stressed at work (aOR=0.54; 95% CI=0.37-0.78) or home (aOR=0.54; 95% CI=0.38-0.77) were the strongest negative predictors. Notable variables that did not make the final model included income, age cohort, gender, subspecialty career focus, and number of vacation days.

Conclusion: The majority of academic pediatricians reported being satisfied with their lives. Reduced stress, greater work purpose and support, and greater time for personal activities were associated with greater life satisfaction. Some of the associated factors are potentially modifiable.

Table 1. Predictors of Academic Pediatricians Reporting Being Very or Completely Satisfied with Life as a Whole^