Work-family conflict and job satisfaction among female nurses: The moderating role of social support in Ghana’s health sector

Work-Family Conflict (WFC) has become a pressing concern in health systems worldwide, particularly for nurses whose

professional and domestic roles often overlap. In Ghana, where traditional gender roles assign caregiving

responsibilities to women, female nurses face unique challenges balancing work and family life. This study investigates

the relationship between work-family conflict and job satisfaction among female nurses, particularly the moderating

role of social support from supervisors, co-workers, and family members. Guided by the Transactional Model of Stress

and Coping, the study employs a quantitative, survey-based design involving 210 female nurses across three major

hospitals in Ghana’s Western Region. Using validated instruments, data were analyzed through descriptive and

inferential statistics to test hypotheses regarding the associations among WFC, job satisfaction, and sources of social

support. Results indicate that higher levels of work-family conflict significantly reduce job satisfaction, but social

support moderates this relationship. Supervisor and co-worker support showed stronger buffering effects than family

support, though all three forms of support contributed positively. The study underscores the need for organizational

and policy interventions to enhance social support mechanisms and mitigate the negative effects of work-family conflict

on nurses’ professional satisfaction. The findings contribute to the literature by situating the work-family interface

within an African cultural and healthcare context and provide practical recommendations for policymakers, hospital

administrators, and practitioners.