Professional Satisfaction and Desire to Emigrate among Nigerian Physiotherapists

Purpose: Physiotherapists from developing countries are attracted to developed countries, where health personnel are in high demand. We investigated Nigerian physiotherapists' desire to emigrate, explored the possible relationship between job satisfaction and emigration, and elucidated common reasons why physiotherapists emigrate to other countries. Methods: Nigerian physiotherapists (n = 181) were surveyed using a three-part questionnaire. Part 1 elicited socio-demographic information; part 2 assessed satisfaction with work; and part 3 assessed the importance of some possible reasons that physiotherapists choose to emigrate. Results: Close to half of the physiotherapists surveyed have plans to emigrate, but no relationship exists between job satisfaction level and desire to emigrate. An overwhelming majority felt that better or more realistic remuneration was the most important reason for them to leave their country, whereas age and practice experience were inversely related to physiotherapists' desire to emigrate. Conclusion: Policies aimed at mediating "brain drain" should take age and experience into consideration and should be geared toward creating opportunities for career advancement and continuing education.