Comparison of Job Satisfaction by Alumni and Student Medical Representatives and The Associated Factors in Iraq

Background: Job satisfaction is a multifaceted construct that involves the intricate interplay of an employee's emotional, cognitive, and behavioral characteristics with their job. Objectives: To explore the difference in job satisfaction among alumni and student medical representatives (MRs), as well as to identify the factors that influence the job satisfaction of MRs. Methods: A cross-sectional face-to-face survey was conducted with medical school students and alumni working as MRs in various Iraqi universities. Results: A total of 449 MRs participated in this study. A statistically significant difference was found in job satisfaction items, namely recognition, responsibility, salary, and working conditions between alumni and student MRs, with higher values observed in the alumni MRs group (p-values of 0.008, 0.003, 0.029, and 0.025, respectively). More than half of the participants had low levels of job satisfaction. Conclusions: Alumni and student MRs have similar levels of job satisfaction. The factors that significantly contribute to job satisfaction among alumni MRs include recognition of good performance, increased autonomy and responsibilities, competitive salaries, and improved working conditions within the company. The satisfaction of MRs is significantly influenced by the quality of products and the reputation of the company.