Challenges and strategies for retaining Africa's radiography workforce in the continent amidst a competitive global market: Insights from 17 countries.

INTRODUCTION

African countries face a critical challenge as radiography professionals and other healthcare workers migrate to high-income countries with better-resourced health systems. This study sought to identify the factors influencing the migration of qualified radiography professionals and evaluate the challenges and strategies for retaining the radiography workforce across the continent.

METHODS

This quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire. The link to the questionnaire was widely advertised through professional body platforms, as well as the professional and social media pages of radiography professionals across Africa. Descriptive, inferential statistics and exploratory factor analysis using principal component analysis were used to examine the data.

RESULTS

A total of 755 radiography professionals from 17 African countries participated. Poor salary was the most commonly cited push factor for migration, reported by 80.00 % of participants. In the exploratory factor analysis, five factors were identified, explaining 55.57 % of the variation in the data on push factors for migration among radiography professionals. These factors include the health system, economic concerns, professional challenges, political issues, and social conditions. Better salaries (86.49 %) and improved living conditions (86.35 %) were the most common pull factors. Additionally, 92.00 % of participants identified improving radiography professionals' salaries as the most effective strategy for reducing migration.

CONCLUSION

Low salaries, inadequate working conditions, and the pursuit of better opportunities abroad are key contributors to the migration of radiography professionals from Africa. To address this issue, African healthcare systems must prioritise improving remuneration, enhancing working conditions, investing in health infrastructure, and implementing targeted policies focused on professional development and career growth.

IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE

Retaining radiography professionals in Africa requires a multifaceted approach to strengthen the workforce and improve healthcare systems.