Purpose
  The purpose of this study was to elucidate the factors related to job satisfaction in nurses working in Health Centers (HC) in northern Thailand.
Method
  A questionnaire composed of items on basic attributes, religion, the Self Efficacy Scale (SES), and the Job Satisfaction Scale (JSS) was distributed to 192 nurses working at HC in Phayao Province in northern Thailand. A total of 135 responses were received (response rate, 70%). Among the responses, data from seven male cases were excluded; therefore, data from 128 female cases were used for statistical analyses.
  Statistical significance was fixed at 5% for all tests.
Result and Discussion
  A statistically significant correlation, r＝0.22 (p＝0.04), was found between the JSS score and daily frequency of meditation. A statistically significant difference was found (p<0.01) about the JSS score between “High or Medium” and “Low” answer groups to the question of salary. It was also found (p<0.01) about the JSS score between “Yes” and “No” answer groups to the question of change jobs. These results are almost identical to those previously reported in Japan.
  Regarding the reason for choosing to work at an HC, a statistically significant difference was found (p＝0.04) between “To help the people” and “No relation between job choice and religion”. It was thus thought that nurses might maintain high motivation and have high levels of job satisfaction if they have a desire to be helpful.
Conclusion
  It should be pointed out that job changes and salary are related to the job satisfaction of nurses working in HC in northern Thailand, which has also been reported in Japan. Moreover, it is thought that religious activities, particularly meditation, must be related to job satisfaction.