Migration intentions and influencing factors among clinical radiography students in 14 African countries: A quantitative survey

IF 2.5 Q2 RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE & MEDICAL IMAGING

Radiography Pub Date : 2025-05-28 DOI:10.1016/j.radi.2025.102988

B. Ohene-Botwe , W.K. Antwi , C. Amedu , T.N. Akudjedu , L.-S. Mudadi , B. Chinene , S.N.A. Quaye , M.Y. Dambele , S.S. Mkoloma , C. Barare , M.J. Kumsa , J. Sichone , R. Saizi , S. Mdletshe , J.Z. Dlama , J. Joshua , C. Malamateniou

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Introduction

Understanding students' intentions regarding migration is crucial, as migration intentions are strongly correlated with future actions. This study aimed to evaluate the migration intentions of radiography students in Africa and assess the push and pull factors influencing their decisions.

Methods

This quantitative study employed an online cross-sectional survey. Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted using Stata 13. For the students who confirmed their desire to migrate, an additional exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed using principal component analysis (PCA).

Results

A total of 614 students drawn from 14 African countries participated in the study, with a significant majority (93 %) expressing a desire to work in another country. The desire to fulfil self-aspirations was the most common push factor identified by students (Agree – 35.2 %, Strongly agree – 43.96 %; Overall - 79.16 %). In the exploratory factor analysis, five factors were identified, explaining 58.84 % of the variation in the data. These factors included social, Health System, economic, Political, and Professional factors. The opportunity to gain better clinical experience was the major pull factor identified, with 56.39 % of students strongly agreeing with this statement.

Conclusion

The potential emigration of future skilled healthcare professionals poses major ramifications for Africa’s healthcare workforce. Understanding these migration intentions could allow policymakers to develop strategies that improve local opportunities, strengthen healthcare facilities, and foster an environment that retains talent and stimulates career development in the region.

Implication for practice

Addressing the migration intentions of radiography students in Africa requires a proactive, multifaceted approach. By implementing the strategies outlined in this article, African healthcare systems can more effectively retain future radiography professionals and enhance the sustainability of the workforce.

查看原文本刊更多论文

14个非洲国家临床放射学学生移民意向及影响因素：一项定量调查

了解学生对移民的意图是至关重要的，因为移民意图与未来的行动密切相关。本研究旨在评估非洲放射学学生的移民意向，并评估影响其决定的推动和拉动因素。方法本定量研究采用在线横断面调查。使用Stata 13进行描述性和推断性统计。对于确认有迁移意愿的学生，使用主成分分析（PCA）进行了额外的探索性因素分析（EFA）。结果共有来自14个非洲国家的614名学生参加了这项研究，其中绝大多数（93%）表示希望在另一个国家工作。实现自我抱负的愿望是学生认为最常见的推动因素(同意- 35.2%，非常同意- 43.96%；总体- 79.16%)。在探索性因子分析中，确定了五个因素，解释了58.84%的数据变异。这些因素包括社会、卫生系统、经济、政治和专业因素。有机会获得更好的临床经验是确定的主要拉动因素，56.39%的学生强烈同意这一说法。结论未来熟练医疗保健专业人员的潜在移民对非洲的医疗保健劳动力构成了重大影响。了解这些移民意图可以使决策者制定战略，改善当地机会，加强医疗保健设施，营造留住人才和促进该地区职业发展的环境。实践意义解决非洲放射学学生的移民意向需要一种积极的、多方面的方法。通过实施本文中概述的战略，非洲医疗保健系统可以更有效地留住未来的放射专业人员，并提高劳动力的可持续性。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Radiography RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE & MEDICAL IMAGING-

CiteScore

4.70

自引率

34.60%

发文量

169

审稿时长

63 days

期刊介绍： Radiography is an International, English language, peer-reviewed journal of diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy. Radiography is the official professional journal of the College of Radiographers and is published quarterly. Radiography aims to publish the highest quality material, both clinical and scientific, on all aspects of diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy and oncology.