Emigration intentionality among Tunisian interns and residents in medicine

Abstract

Introduction Emigration is the act of leaving one’s country of nationality or habitual residence to settle in another nation. In Tunisia, this phenomenon is increasing in particular for doctors. Objectives Evaluating the intentionality of emigration among interns and medical residents in Tunisia while studying the factors related to it. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study of interns and medical residents who participated in our study through the social network ’Facebook’ by an anonymous self-questionnaire. The level of satisfaction with the different aspects of life were assessed by a 5-point Likert scale, from “not at all satisfied” to “very satisfied”. Results The total number of participants was 56 of which 64.3% were medical residents. More than 50% of the participants expressed dissatisfaction with the distribution of tasks and organization of work (66.1%), safety at work (53.6%), comfort (57.2%), time allocated to personal life (53.6%) and salary (69.6%). The political, health and educational situation in the country was considered unsatisfactory by the majority of participants (90% to 95%). Among our participants, 44.6% regretted having chosen the profession of medicine and 53.6% had plans to immigrate to work abroad. The intentionality of immigration was significantly higher among men (p=0.02), those with siblings abroad (p=0.047) and those without dependent relatives (p=0.040). Conclusions Young physicians are strongly looking for emigration. This decision could emanate from professional, personal and political factors. Further studies seem to be necessary to explain this emigration phenomenon. Disclosure No significant relationships.