INVESTIGATION OF TURKISH NURSES\' ATTITUDES TOWARDS BRAIN DRAIN

Authors : Özlem Özaydin, Ayten Vural, Özden Güdük

Pages : 29-38

Doi:10.55050/sarad.1378209

View : 62 | Download : 56

Publication Date : 2024-01-16

Article Type : Research

Abstract :Background and Aims: In recent years, there has been a significant brain drain in the health sector due to healthcare workers migrating abroad to work. This study analyzes the push and pull factors that prompt nurses to leave the country. Methods: The sample of the cross-sectional and descriptive study consists of 270 nurses working in Istanbul. The researchers used a questionnaire to collect data on the nurses\' demographic information, work history, and attitudes toward brain drain. The data collected was analyzed using statistical tests such as Chi-Square, Independent two sample T-test, Kruskal Wallis, and Pearson Correlation test. A statistical significance level of 0.05 was used to determine the significance of the results. Results: The mean age of the nurses was 33.6±8.95 years, and the mean working period was 10.8±9.27 years. Most were female, married, and had a bachelor\'s degree. Fifteen percent of the participants had attempted to go abroad, 53% were only at the thought stage, and 32% stated that they did not want to go abroad. The scores for both push and pull factors were significantly higher among those who wanted to go abroad than those who did not (p<0.01). Additionally, nurses working in specialized units had more positive thoughts about migration abroad (p<0.05). A negative correlation was found between age and the pull factor score (p<0.05), and working time in the profession was negatively correlated with push and pull factor scores (p<0.01). However, there was no difference in the mean scores of the push and pull factors among those who stated that they wanted to go abroad regarding gender, marital status, length of service, and units of employment. Conclusions and Suggestions: Young nurses, nurses with fewer working years, and nurses working in specialized units have more positive attitudes toward brain drain. Nurses are an integral part of the healthcare workforce, and Türkiye may face severe consequences due to the potential effects of brain drain in the near future. Therefore, policymakers in the healthcare sector must take necessary measures to prevent this from happening.
Keywords : Hemşire, Beyin Göçü, Sağlık Yönetimi, Türkiye