Abstract 724: Leaving cancer patients behind for greener pastures: The clinical oncology workforce in Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Background: For a population of over 201 million, Nigeria has only 4 doctors per 10,000 patients and 16.1 nurses, midwives per 10,000 patients, and less than 100 clinical oncologists for over 100,000 cancer patients. While Nigeria has one of the worst cancer burdens in the world and workforce shortage; 9 in 10 Nigerian physicians are seeking for opportunities to leave for the USA, UK and Canada. To improve oncology care in Nigeria, it may be important to understand the push and pull factors contributing to migration of clinical oncology (CO) workforce. Mathew (2018), Vanderpuye, et al., (2019), Balogun, et al., (2017), and Adebayo, (2016) have done research on CO; however, their studies were vastly focused on the African continent and not country-specific nor focused on the CO workforce in Nigeria. Aim: The aim of this study is to explore the push and pull factors to stay or leave clinical oncology workforce in Nigeria. Method: Using a mixed-method research approach, 80 participants completed the questionnaire and 9 participants responded to semi-structured interview. Multiple linear regression and Grounded theory was used for the data analysis. Results: The results show that CO workload and satisfaction were significantly related to turnover intention. The qualitative results showed that CO as a new area of specialization, mentorship, career growth and attractiveness of radiation science are pull factors. While, high CO workload, poor healthcare system, poor remuneration, corruption in the public sector, and few other themes are push factors. Empathy for patients, patriotism and sense of fulfilment unexpectedly emerged as retention factors in the study. Conclusion: Nigeria can improve patient’s treatment outcome by the reduction of CO workload through the employment of more CO. More CO can be available for employment when they are attracted, and their training is optimized. Those employed can be retained by improving working conditions and the introduction of work benefits. Our recommendations are that health leaders should create more CO training and awareness of CO in Nigeria. Citation Format: Runcie C.W. Chidebe. Leaving cancer patients behind for greener pastures: The clinical oncology workforce in Nigeria [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 724.