Volume 19, Issue 4 (Vol.19, No.4, Winter 2024)
irje 2024, 19(4): 299-312 |
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Rahmati S, Abdolahinia Z, Narouee S, Nasiri N, Goujani R, Haghdoost A A. Challenges of the Field of Epidemiology and the Reasons for the Migration of Epidemiologists in Iran: A Qualitative Study. irje 2024; 19 (4) :299-312
URL: http://irje.tums.ac.ir/article-1-7302-en.html
URL: http://irje.tums.ac.ir/article-1-7302-en.html
Shoboo Rahmati1 
, Zahra Abdolahinia1 , Sakineh Narouee1 , Naser Nasiri2 , Reza Goujani1 , Ali Akbar Haghdoost * 3
, Zahra Abdolahinia1 , Sakineh Narouee1 , Naser Nasiri2 , Reza Goujani1 , Ali Akbar Haghdoost * 3
1- PhD of Epidemiology, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, kerman, Iran
2- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
3- Modeling in Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran ,ahaghdoost@gmail.com
2- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
3- Modeling in Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran ,
Abstract: (91 Views)
Background and Objectives: Given the significant migration of educated individuals, particularly epidemiologists, throughout the country, it is crucial to investigate the underlying causes. This article presents the findings of an extensive study that sought to explore this issue by gathering insights from experts in the field.
Methods: The study was conducted using qualitative methods, employing content analysis. Data were collected between summer and autumn 2023 through semi-structured interviews with 32 epidemiologists in the country. Analysis followed the steps outlined by Lundman and Graneheim, with coding facilitated by MAXQDA software.
Results: The main challenges of epidemiology in Iran were divided into six main categories. In the field of graduate students, problems in recruitment and employment due to the lack of suitable careers, infrastructure and structural problems of the system, research problems and insufficient knowledge about the performance of this field are the most important challenges, and in the field of students, education problems, structural and infrastructure problems were reported. Also, the main reasons for the migration of epidemiologists were the lack of meritocracy and specialization, inappropriate privileges (including the application of unconventional recruitment quotas), lack of a job market and opportunities for graduates, and inadequate compensation and benefits.
Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it seems that the migration of epidemiologists as a valuable human resource abroad is a serious concern and problem. The lack of a suitable job position and ambiguity in the path to career advancement due to non-adherence to the meritocracy and skill-building system have increased the motivation to migrate in this group.
Methods: The study was conducted using qualitative methods, employing content analysis. Data were collected between summer and autumn 2023 through semi-structured interviews with 32 epidemiologists in the country. Analysis followed the steps outlined by Lundman and Graneheim, with coding facilitated by MAXQDA software.
Results: The main challenges of epidemiology in Iran were divided into six main categories. In the field of graduate students, problems in recruitment and employment due to the lack of suitable careers, infrastructure and structural problems of the system, research problems and insufficient knowledge about the performance of this field are the most important challenges, and in the field of students, education problems, structural and infrastructure problems were reported. Also, the main reasons for the migration of epidemiologists were the lack of meritocracy and specialization, inappropriate privileges (including the application of unconventional recruitment quotas), lack of a job market and opportunities for graduates, and inadequate compensation and benefits.
Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it seems that the migration of epidemiologists as a valuable human resource abroad is a serious concern and problem. The lack of a suitable job position and ambiguity in the path to career advancement due to non-adherence to the meritocracy and skill-building system have increased the motivation to migrate in this group.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Epidemiology
Received: 2023/11/13 | Accepted: 2024/03/17 | Published: 2024/03/12
Received: 2023/11/13 | Accepted: 2024/03/17 | Published: 2024/03/12
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