Factors Influencing Migration Intentions of Undergraduate Medical Students: a cross-sectional study from two Egyptian universities

Abstract

Background: The global migration of health workers generally, and physicians particularly, is affecting the health systems of both source and destination countries. Egypt, a lower middle-income country, is significantly affected by the migration phenomenon, contributing to a national shortage of physicians. This study aims to examine the factors influencing the migration intentions among undergraduate medical students.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among second to fifth year medical students at 2 Egyptian universities from October 2023 to May 2024. Data were collected using a self-administered online questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics using the SPSS program, open-ended questions were analysed thematically using Atlas ti.

Results: A total of 650 students participated in the survey. The majority (91%) at both universities expressed an intention to leave Egypt to pursue a medical career abroad with 35.1% having already started planning for migration. Push factors (61%) were stronger than pull factors (39%), with financial considerations being the main driver. Almost half of students (47%) had already decided on their preferred destination, with the Arab Gulf countries being the most popular choice (34.5%). The culture of migration played a significant role facilitating the migration intentions.

Conclusions: The majority of undergraduate medical students not only have a strong intention to migrate but have already started their preparations. This is largely driven by financial factors, with a culture of migration that further strengthens migration intentions. With the internationalisation of medical education, collaborative efforts are needed to develop an adequate and well-trained global medical workforce.