Workforce migration and brain drain – A nationwide cross-sectional survey of early career psychiatrists in Nigeria

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.