DETERMINANTS OF KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS WORK-LIFE BALANCE AMONG HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN A TERTIARY HEALTH FACILITY IN NIGERIA.

Abstract

Work-life balance (WLB) is a key determinant of healthcare professionals’ well-being, productivity, and quality of care. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and factors associated with WLB among healthcare professionals at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. A hospital-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 524 healthcare professionals using a structured, pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire. Data were summarised using descriptive statistics, and associations were examined with chi-square tests and multivariable binary logistic regression. The mean age was 34.0 ± 8.2 years; 341 (65.1%) respondents were female, and 251 (47.9%) were nurses. Overall, 417 (79.6%) had heard of WLB, 334 (63.7%) had good knowledge, and 404 (77.1%) were classified as having a positive attitude, although the attitude scale had low internal consistency. Only 98 (18.7%) had received formal WLB training. Not having welcomed a new child through childbirth or adoption was associated with higher odds of good WLB (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 12.97; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.66–101.26; p = 0.015), whereas increased working hours were associated with markedly lower odds of good WLB (aOR = 0.04; 95% CI: 0.005–0.343; p = 0.003). Knowledge of WLB was generally good, but limited formal training and organisational constraints remained important barriers. Workload redistribution, flexible scheduling, structured WLB education, and family-supportive leave policies are recommended.