Factors influencing the intention of migration among the medical students of Faculty of Health- Care Sciences, Eastern University, Sri Lanka after graduation

Abstract

Sri Lanka has made significant investments in free education over the past 70 years. Sri Lanka is facing a shortage of skilled healthcare workers due to the brain drain of doctors, who were raised in a free public education country. However, because of a number of push and pull factors, these doctors frequently relocate abroad. This has a direct impact on the quality of the workforce, affecting economic growth and development. The aim of this research was to study the factors influencing the intention of migration among the medical students in Faculty of Health – Care Sciences, Eastern University, Sri Lanka, after graduation. This research was conducted as a Descriptive cross-sectional study among the 12th to 17th MBBS students who are studying in the Faculty of Health – Care Sciences, Eastern University, Sri Lanka. Data was collected using a google form questionnaire via online. Variables such as socio-demographic factors (n=10), work related factors (n=2), push factors (n=13), pull factors (n=10) were included in the questionnaire. Estimated sample size was 310. Study population was 536. This was greater than the sample size. Therefore, we proposed to use simple random sampling technique in our study. But we received only 264 responses with the response rate of 49.5%. Excluding the responses of the exclusion criteria, 239 responses were considered valid for the study giving 77.01% of the estimated sample size. These responses were used in the ultimate analysis. Data was analyzed by using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics like mean, frequencies and percentages were used to summarize the data. Chi square test was used to assess the association between intention to migrate and socio-demographic and work-related factors. Push and pull factors were assessed by only descriptive statistics. From the estimated sample of 310, the response rate was 77.01% (n=239). Among them, 43.1% (n=103) have the intention to migrate abroad after graduation while 56.9% (n=136) expect to stay at their native place. Women are more likely than men to agree that they have intention to migrate abroad (73.8%, n=76). 14th Batch had the most responses agreeing to migrate (13.4%, n=32). Apart from gender, no other socio-demographic characteristics had a significant association with the intention to migrate, showing the individuality of the decision. Work related factors like intention to pursue post-graduate also had no significant association with the intention to migrate. The most agreed push factors for migration were economic instability, political instability, discrimination based on ethnicity/social class/sexual orientation or other status and insufficient income. The most agreed pull factors for migration were stable future, better living standards, stable political and economic situation, and better future for children and new technological advancements in medicine. More than one third of the participants have the intention to migrate. Women are more likely to migrate than men. Apart from gender, no other socio-demographic characteristics had a significant association with the intention to migrate, showing the individuality of the decision. Work-related factors also had no significant association with the intention to migrate. To stop the "brain drain," it is recommended to monitor migration patterns, keep up-to-date databases on medical professionals who are leaving the country, and develop a multisectoral policy plan to improve their quality of life.