Perceptions of allied health students on working abroad / Efrelyn Caye Riginding, Dominique Rivera, Jena Rivera, Alec Jim Salazar, Lheslie Samson, Sandra Carmella Sison Aaron Tan, Yessa Mae Tanguilan and Liana Caitlyn Tolentino.

Includes appendices and bibliographical references.

Abstract: The shortage of healthcare workers in the Philippines is a persisting issue that was exacerbated during COVID-19 pandemic due to the out-migration of health professionals. Despite producing a significant number of medical and allied health graduates every year, an estimated 13,000 health professionals out-migrate annually, with many citing poor professional recognition, low standard of living, and limited career opportunities as reasons for leaving. While previous studies have focused on nurses, little is known about the out-migration of other allied health professionals. The aim of the study is to investigate the perceptions of allied health students in the Philippines on working abroad after their studies. The study conducted an analytic cross-sectional survey of first to fourth year students in various programs at Far Eastern University-Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation. The researchers used probability sampling design by simple random sampling. A calculated sample size of 138, data was collected using an online questionnaire consisting of four domains, including demographic profiles and students' views on socio-cultural, and political factors. The collected data was then analyzed using SPSS software to identify which variables were linked to the students' perceptions of working aboard. Out of the 160 participants in the study, 108 were females, and 58 were male, with 83 first-year, 25 second-year, 40 third-year, and 12 fourth-year students. Results showed that 121 students, which is about 75% of the total participants, intended to work aboard. The highest percentage of students who planned to work overseas were from BS Pharmacy, with 80%, and BS Physical Therapy, with 85.7%. For BS Medical Laboratory Science, 70% of the 141 students intended to work abroad, while 50% of the two students in BS Respiratory Therapy planned to do so. All students from the BS Nursing program and the one student BS Radiologic Technology expressed their desire to work abroad. The study revealed that sociocultural and political factors have a great impact on allied health students working abroad. Perceptions are not affected by the student's age, sex and place of residence but affected by their socio-economic status.

Thesis - Department of Community & Family Medicine