Workforce migration and brain drain - A nationwide cross-sectional survey of early career psychiatrists in Nigeria.

Journal: Global mental health (Cambridge, England)

Volume: 11

Issue: 

Year of Publication: 

Affiliated Institutions:  Department of Clinical Services, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria. Department of Clinical Services, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Maiduguri, Nigeria. Department of Mental Health, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria. Directorate of Clinical Services, Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Department of Clinical Services, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Kaduna, Nigeria. Department of Psychiatry, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau, Nigeria. Department of Behavioural Sciences, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria. Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.

Abstract summary 

Nigeria's shortage of psychiatrists is exacerbated due to health worker migration.This study explores migration experiences and tendencies among early-career psychiatrists in Nigeria.We conducted a cross-sectional survey covering Nigeria's six geopolitical zones, using a 61-item online questionnaire assessing short-term mobility, long-term migration experiences and migration attitudes. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 29.Of 228 early-career psychiatrists surveyed, 9.7% had short-term mobility and 8.0% had long-term migration experiences. However, 85.8% had 'ever' considered migration, 69.2% were planning to leave 'now', and 52.9% had taken 'practical migration steps'. Over half (52.7%) said they would be working abroad in 5 years, with 25.2% indicating they would migrate within a year. The top reasons to leave were financial and academic, while personal and cultural factors were the key reasons to stay. Income dissatisfaction (OR = 2.27, 95%, CI = 1.05-4.88) predicted planning to leave 'now', while being in a relationship (OR = 3.46, 95%CI = 1.06-11.30) predicted taking 'practical migration steps'. Attractive job features were good welfare (85.4%) and high salaries (80.3%). Improvements in finances (90.8%) and work conditions (86.8%) were requested.Systemic changes to address psychiatrists' migration from Nigeria are needed.

Authors & Co-authors:  Essien Emmanuel Aniekan EA Mahmood Mohammed Yusuf MY Adiukwu Frances F Kareem Yesiru Adeyemi YA Hayatudeen Nafisatu N Ojeahere Margaret Isioma MI Salihu Mumeen Olaitan MO Sanni Kamaldeen Adeyinka KA Omotoso Ayotunde Bolatito AB Pinto da Costa Mariana M

Study Outcome 

Source Link: Visit source

Statistics
Citations :  Adejoro L (2023) Academy of Medicine petition National Assembly over anti-migration bill. Punch, April 29. https://punchng.com/academy-of-medicine-petition-national-assembly-over-anti-migration-bill/ (accessed October 23, 2023).
Authors :  10
Identifiers
Doi : e30
SSN : 2054-4251
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Other Terms
Nigeria;brain drain;health personnel;human migration;psychiatry;workforce migration
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
Niger
Publication Country
England