Impact of multidrug therapy on health personnel in their level of job satisfaction.

ABSTRACT

This study examines the "service" factors of the health professionals working in the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) resulting from the introduction of multidrug therapy (MDT) technology, and their impact on their job satisfaction. The findings show that both among physicians and paramedicals, the significant chemotherapeutic dissatisfaction observed before the introduction of multidrug therapy has been replaced by a moderately positive satisfaction. This was much higher than the other incentives like pay, promotional prospect and job significance within NLEP and the community. It was also consistent over five years which was not the case with hydnocarpus and monotherapy technologies. Intercorrelation matrix test revealed three positive intercorrelations. First, personnel associated technology with personal progress which provided a sense of accomplishment while also satisfying their economic needs; second, they saw it as a mode of developing relationships with their clients; and third, it improved their self-image in the community. However, this satisfaction may not be static when there is a reduction of work load, or, the leprosy programme is integrated into general health services. Therefore, while planning these changes, care must be taken that the present level of technological satisfaction is maintained or further improved.