Full text

Turn on search term navigation

© The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution and reproduction, provided the original article is properly cited. (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.

Abstract

Background

Nigeria’s shortage of psychiatrists is exacerbated due to health worker migration.

Aim

This study explores migration experiences and tendencies among early-career psychiatrists in Nigeria.

Methods

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.

Results

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.

Conclusions

Systemic changes to address psychiatrists’ migration from Nigeria are needed.

Details

Title
Workforce migration and brain drain – A nationwide cross-sectional survey of early career psychiatrists in Nigeria
Author
Essien, Emmanuel Aniekan 1   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Mohammed Yusuf Mahmood 2   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Adiukwu, Frances 3   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Yesiru Adeyemi Kareem 4   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Hayatudeen, Nafisatu 5   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Ojeahere, Margaret Isioma 6   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Mumeen Olaitan Salihu 7   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Sanni, Kamaldeen Adeyinka 5   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Omotoso, Ayotunde Bolatito 7   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Mariana Pinto da Costa 8   VIAFID ORCID Logo 

 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 
Publication year
2024
Publication date
2024
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
e-ISSN
20544251
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
3163467529
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution and reproduction, provided the original article is properly cited. (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.