Job satisfaction and migration intentions among physicians in a conflict zone: a study of physicians working in Yemen.

Authors

Abdulqader M Al-Shami, Ghina'a M Al-Masadi, Sarah T Al-Syaghi, Mohammed A Al-Safwani, Hazem A Al-Sha'er, Ahmed H Al-Shahethi

Published in

Public health research & practice. Volume 36. Issue 4. Dec 10, 2026.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the levels of job satisfaction and migration intentions among physicians working in public and private hospitals in Sana'a, Yemen, and to identify associated sociodemographic and occupational factors.
A hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2023 to May 2024. A total of 350 physicians were selected through stratified random sampling from 10 major hospitals in Sana'a. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, job satisfaction and migration intentions were collected using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests and multiple logistic regression, were performed.
A majority of physicians (52.0%) were dissatisfied with their jobs, and an overwhelming 77.4% expressed intentions to migrate abroad. The primary reasons for intending to migrate included seeking better educational and training opportunities (97.8%), improved working conditions (96.7%), and higher income (95.9%). Lower job satisfaction was significantly associated with a higher intention to migrate. Multivariate analysis identified sufficient monthly income (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.37), longer work experience (AOR 2.38) and perceived safety in medical practice (AOR 2.83) as significant predictors of higher job satisfaction. Conversely, being a general practitioner (AOR 17.15) and having children (AOR 2.48) were associated with an increased likelihood of intending to migrate.
Low job satisfaction and high migration intentions are common among physicians in Sana'a, Yemen, driven primarily by economic, professional and safety concerns. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve salaries, ensure safe working conditions and provide professional development opportunities to mitigate the escalating brain drain from Yemen's healthcare sector.

PMID:
42901621
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 21 Oct 2026.

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