City Research Online

Abstract

Background
The brain drain of Ghanaian radiographers is a growing concern for the Ghana Health Service and patient care in the country. Unfortunately, this is affecting the quality of radiology services in Ghana. This study investigated the determinants of radiographers' brain drain from Ghana and identified potential mitigating factors.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire which was administered online to Ghanaian radiographers. The questionnaire gathered data on push and pull factors that influenced brain drain. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 29.

Results
A total of 128 radiographers participated in the study. The findings indicated that 92.2 % of Ghanaian radiographers expressed intentions to work abroad. The estimated means and standard deviations on a five-point Likert Scale demonstrated that poor salary (4.47 ± 0.1) and poor working conditions (4.17 ± 1.1) were the main push factors, while improved living conditions (4.62 ± 0.9) and better health infrastructure (4.55 ± 0.9) were the influential pull/attractive factors. Although there are variations in participants' demographics, comparative analyses of push and pull factors indicated that respondents did not significantly differ in their migration decisions intentions (p < 0.05). To mitigate brain drain, respondents emphasised the need for better salaries (97.7 %) and comprehensive health insurance for radiographers and their families (92.2 %) among other factors.

Conclusion
This study highlights the multifaceted factors that drive Ghanaian radiographers abroad and their consequences on the healthcare system. A comprehensive strategy encompassing financial incentives, career development, improved working conditions, and personal satisfaction was identified as a mitigating approach to addressing these challenges. Implementation of these recommendations by policymakers is necessary to create an environment that retains and empowers radiographers and ultimately enhances patient care and healthcare advancement in Ghana.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/).
Publisher Keywords:	Migration, Drivers, Radiographers, Mitigating factors, Brain drain
Subjects:	D History General and Old World > DT Africa H Social Sciences > HM Sociology J Political Science > JV Colonies and colonization. Emigration and immigration. International migration R Medicine > RC Internal medicine
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Midwifery & Radiography
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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