Content uploaded by Marsida Krasniqi
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Marsida Krasniqi on Dec 06, 2024
Content may be subject to copyright.
Available via license: CC BY 4.0
Content may be subject to copyright.
SDGsReview | Florida, USA | VOL. 5| e03264| pag: 01-12| 2025.
1
THE IMPACT OF MIGRATION CONSIDERATIONS ON HEALTHCARE
PROFESSIONALS IN ALBANIA: A STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
Marsida Krasniqi
1
Rezarta Kalaja
2
Brunela Trebicka
3
Redi Myshketa 4
ABSTRACT
Objective: This study investigates the relationships between various demographic factors and
the migration intentions of healthcare professionals in Albania.
Theoretical Framework: The healthcare sector is essential for the well-being of a population,
as it has a direct impact on health outcomes, quality of life, and societal productivity. In
Albania, the healthcare system has faced considerable challenges in recent years, particularly
in maintaining a stable and effective workforce
Method: This is a cross-sectional study, and 1037 healthcare professionals in Albania were
included, with equal gender representation (50% male, 50% female). All the participants were
given self-administered questionnaires that addressed demographic characteristics, migration
intentions, perceptions of working conditions, and factors influencing migration. Statistical
analysis included descriptive statistical and chi-square tests or logistic regression.
Results and Discussion: The majority of respondents were aged from 31 to 40 years old (28.9%),
highlighting a productive workforce. 62.7% of healthcare professionals expressed intentions to
migrate abroad, primarily due to higher salaries (38.6%) and better career opportunities
(28.8%). Concerns about local working conditions were prevalent, with 72.3% of respondents
considering transfer possibilities as very important or important. Participants rated the overall
job situation in healthcare as average or poor (63.0%). Economic stability was deemed very
important by 48.3% of respondents.
Research Implications: This study provides importante data about migration intentions and
perceptions of healthcare professionals in Albania, an area that has not been extensively
explored in existing literature.
Originality/Value: The findings offer practical recommendations for policymakers and
healthcare leaders to improve the retention of healthcare professionals.
Keywords: healthcare proffesionals, migrations, job satisfaction, albania, Sustainable
Development Goals (SDG).
1
Department of Medical Technical Science, Faculty of Professional Studies, University
Aleksander Moisiu, Durrës, Albania. E-mail: marsidakrasniqi@uamd.edu.al
1
Department of Medical Technical Science, Faculty of Professional Studies, University
Aleksander Moisiu, Durrës, Albania. E-mail: rezartakalaja@uamd.edu.al
2Department of Applied Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Business, Universiteti
Aleksander Moisiu Durres, Durrës, Albania. E-mail: brunelatrebicka@uamd.edu.al
3Department of Management, Faculty of Economy, Aleksandër Moisiu University of Durrës,
Durrës, Albania. E-mail: redimyshketa@uamd.edu.al
Received: Aug/23/2024
Accepted: Oct/25/2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.47172/2965-730X.SDGsReview.v5.n02.pe03264
SDGsReview | Florida, USA | VOL. 5| e03264| pag: 01-12| 2025.
Last name, name of the author. (2024). Job title
2
Krasniqi, M., Kalaja, R., Trebicka, B., Myshketa, R. (2025) The Impact of Migration
Considerations on Healthcare Professionals in Albania: A Statistical Analysis
1 INTRODUCTION
The healthcare sector is very important for the well being of a
population, as it has a direct impact on health outcomes, quality of life, and
societal productivity (Georgiou, Merkouris, Hadjibalassi, & Sarafis, 2021). In
Albania, the healthcare system has faced considerable challenges in recent
years, particularly in maintaining a stable and effective workforce. One of the
most pressing issues is the increasing trend of migration among healthcare
professionals, which has emerged as a significant concern for the sustainability
of the local healthcare system (Owusu, Medakkar, & Akinnawo, 2017). The
migration of skilled healthcare workers not only threatens the availability of
care but also raises critical questions about the quality of services provided to
the population, potentially exacerbating existing health disparities (Owusu et
al., 2017), (Rezarta Kalaja, Kurti, & Myshketa, 2023). In nowdays in Albania we
also have an increase of medical turism as the prices are still lower then other
countries (Karma, Devassia, & Muco, 2024)
Understanding the demographic profile and motivations of healthcare
professionals is essential to effectively address these challenges. This study
aims to investigate the demographic characteristics of healthcare workers in
Albania, by showing their intentions to migrate abroad and the broader
implications of such migration on the local healthcare economy. Factors that
influence migration of healthcare professionals include better salaries, career
opportunities, and improved working conditions, which reflect a broader trend
observed in many countries facing similar economic challenges (Krasniqi,
Kalaja, Trebicka, & Myshketa, 2023). Furthermore, the perceived quality of the
local job market has led to concerns about the sustainability of the healthcare
system in Albania, prompting a need for urgent attention and reform.
In addition to a demographic analysis, this study employs statistical
methods to examine the relationships between various demographic factors and
migration intentions, thereby highlighting the critical need for policy
interventions aimed at improving working conditions and retaining skilled
healthcare professionals. By addressing these pressing issues, this research aims
to contribute to the broader discourse on healthcare workforce management
SDGsReview | Florida, USA | VOL. 5| e03264| pag: 01-12| 2025.
Last name, name of the author. (2024). Job title
3
Krasniqi, M., Kalaja, R., Trebicka, B., Myshketa, R. (2025) The Impact of Migration
Considerations on Healthcare Professionals in Albania: A Statistical Analysis
and support the development of strategies that enhance the stability and
effectiveness of Albania's healthcare system. Ultimately, the findings of this
study will be instrumental in shaping policies that not only retain healthcare
talent but also ensure the delivery of high-quality healthcare services to the
Albanian population.
2 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
This study suggests that individuals make migration decisions based on
perceived opportunities for improving their economic and professional
prospects. In this context, healthcare professionals are likely to migrate in
search of better working conditions and higher salaries, enhancing their
personal human capital (Trebicka et al., 2024; Kullolli & Trebicka, 2024;
Trebicka & Kullolli, 2023). Push-Pull Migration Theory further helps explain how
local dissatisfaction (push) and international opportunities (pull) shape
migration intentions (Sabti & Ramalu, 2024). The theory suggest that migration
is driven by both negative factors in the home country (e.g., poor working
conditions, low salaries) and positive factors in the destination country (e.g.,
higher income, better career opportunities).
3 METHODOLOGY
This study is a cross-sectional study which evaluate the demographic
characteristics, migration intentions, and perceptions of healthcare
professionals in Albania. This methodological approach was chosen to facilitate
the collection of data at a single point in time, allowing for the examination of
relationships between various factors influencing healthcare professionals’
considerations for migration. The participant pool consisted of 1,037 healthcare
professionals, encompassing a range of disciplines including family doctors,
specialist doctors, nurses, and laboratory technicians. Participants were
recruited from multiple healthcare facilities across Albania, ensuring a diverse
representation of the healthcare workforce in terms of gender, age, profession,
and years of experience. The demographic breakdown revealed an equal
SDGsReview | Florida, USA | VOL. 5| e03264| pag: 01-12| 2025.
Last name, name of the author. (2024). Job title
4
Krasniqi, M., Kalaja, R., Trebicka, B., Myshketa, R. (2025) The Impact of Migration
Considerations on Healthcare Professionals in Albania: A Statistical Analysis
distribution of males (50%) and females (50%), with the largest age group
identified as individuals aged 31-40 years, highlighting a vital segment of the
workforce with substantial potential to impact the healthcare sector.
Data collection was carried out using a structured questionnaire that
incorporated both closed and open-ended questions. This questionnaire was
specifically designed to capture key information across several critical areas.
First, demographic information was gathered, prompting participants to
provide details about their age, gender, profession, and duration of
employment in the healthcare sector. Second, migration considerations were
assessed by determining whether participants had contemplated migrating
abroad, along with the underlying reasons for such intentions. Additionally, the
questionnaire explored participants’ perceptions of the job market, asking
them to evaluate the overall job situation in healthcare, the perceived impact
of professional migration on healthcare quality, and the importance of
economic stability in their decision-making processes.
Data analysis involved employing descriptive statistics to summarize the
demographic characteristics, migration intentions, and perceptions of the job
market among participants. Furthermore, chi-square tests were conducted to
investigate the associations between various demographic factors—namely,
gender, age, profession, and work duration—and migration considerations. A
significance level of p < 0.05 was established for all statistical tests to
determine the presence of significant associations. Ethical considerations were
paramount in this study; thus, ethical approval was obtained from the
appropriate institutional review board prior to data collection. Informed
consent was secured from all participants, ensuring their understanding of the
study's purpose and procedures, as well as their right to withdraw at any time
without any negative consequences. This rigorous approach to methodology
ensures that the findings of the study provide valuable insights into the
motivations and perceptions of healthcare professionals in Albania, particularly
regarding migration.
SDGsReview | Florida, USA | VOL. 5| e03264| pag: 01-12| 2025.
Last name, name of the author. (2024). Job title
5
Krasniqi, M., Kalaja, R., Trebicka, B., Myshketa, R. (2025) The Impact of Migration
Considerations on Healthcare Professionals in Albania: A Statistical Analysis
4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Table 1 presents demographic data of study participants, balanced
between genders, indicating equal representation of males and females. The
largest age group is between 31-40 years, suggesting this is the most productive
group with significant potential to contribute to the healthcare sector.
Specialist doctors make up 40.2% of participants, reflecting the need for
specialization in this sector. Additionally, a considerable number (29.6%) have
worked in healthcare for over 10 years, indicating a certain level of stability.
Table 1
Demographic Data of Participants
Category
Number of Participants
Percentage
Gender
Male
520
50%
Female
517
50%
Age
20-30 years
200
19.3%
31-40 years
300
28.9%
41-50 years
250
24.1%
51-60 years
200
19.3%
Over 60 years
87
8.4%
Profession Category
Family Doctors
300
28.9%
Specialist Doctors
417
40.2%
Nurses
200
19.3%
Laboratory Technicians
120
11.6%
Work Duration
Less than 1 year
80
7.7%
1-5 years
350
33.7%
6-10 years
300
28.9%
Over 10 years
307
29.6%
Table 2 provides an overview of healthcare professionals’ thoughts on
migration. A significant majority (62.7%) have expressed a desire to migrate
abroad, a concerning sign for the healthcare sector. Primary reasons for
migration are higher salaries and better career opportunities, reflecting the
challenging working conditions locally. About 72.3% of participants consider
transfer possibilities very important or important, highlighting a need to
improve working conditions and opportunities in Albania.
SDGsReview | Florida, USA | VOL. 5| e03264| pag: 01-12| 2025.
Last name, name of the author. (2024). Job title
6
Krasniqi, M., Kalaja, R., Trebicka, B., Myshketa, R. (2025) The Impact of Migration
Considerations on Healthcare Professionals in Albania: A Statistical Analysis
Table 2
Information on Professionals’ Migration
Question
Number of Participants
Percentage
Have you considered migrating abroad?
Yes
650
62.7%
No
387
37.3%
Reasons for Migration
Higher Salary
400
38.6%
Better Career Opportunities
300
28.8%
Better Working Conditions
250
24.1%
Personal Reasons
100
9.7%
Importance of Transfer Possibility
Very Important
400
38.6%
Important
350
33.7%
Slightly Important
150
14.5%
Not Important
137
13.2%
Table 3 illustrates healthcare professionals' perception of the job
situation and the impact of migration on the healthcare sector. Most
participants (63.0%) rate the situation as average or poor, indicating an
unfavorable work atmosphere. The impact of migration on healthcare quality
is viewed as negative by 27.7% of participants, suggesting concerns about the
lack of professionals and its effects on service quality. Economic stability is
rated as very important by 48.3% of professionals, emphasizing the need for a
more favorable economic environment to retain healthcare professionals
locally.
SDGsReview | Florida, USA | VOL. 5| e03264| pag: 01-12| 2025.
Last name, name of the author. (2024). Job title
7
Krasniqi, M., Kalaja, R., Trebicka, B., Myshketa, R. (2025) The Impact of Migration
Considerations on Healthcare Professionals in Albania: A Statistical Analysis
Table 3
Impact on the Job Economy
Question
Number of
Participants
Percentage
How do you rate the overall job situation in
healthcare?
Very Good
100
9.7%
Good
250
24.1%
Average
300
28.9%
Poor
250
24.1%
Very Poor
137
13.2%
Impact of Professional Migration on Healthcare
Quality
Very Positive
150
14.5%
Positive
250
24.1%
Neutral
350
33.7%
Negative
200
19.3%
Very Negative
87
8.4%
Importance of Economic Stability for You
Very Important
500
48.3%
Important
300
28.9%
Slightly Important
150
14.5%
Not Important
87
8.4%
Table 4
P-values for Factors Influencing Migration Considerations
Factor
p-value
Gender vs. Migration Consideration
0.073
Age vs. Migration Consideration
< 0.001
Profession vs. Migration Consideration
0.006
Work Duration vs. Migration Reasons
0.020
Table 4 presents the p-values associated with various demographic
factors influencing healthcare professionals' considerations for migration. The
p-value for gender versus migration consideration is 0.073, indicating a lack of
statistical significance at the conventional 0.05 level, suggesting that gender
does not play a decisive role in migration considerations. In contrast, the
analysis shows that age is a significant factor, with a p-value of less than 0.001,
highlighting a strong association between age and the likelihood of considering
migration. Additionally, the profession of healthcare professionals also shows a
significant relationship with migration considerations, evidenced by a p-value
of 0.006. Furthermore, work duration is significantly related to migration
reasons, as indicated by a p-value of 0.020. These findings underscore the
importance of age, profession, and work duration in understanding migration
SDGsReview | Florida, USA | VOL. 5| e03264| pag: 01-12| 2025.
Last name, name of the author. (2024). Job title
8
Krasniqi, M., Kalaja, R., Trebicka, B., Myshketa, R. (2025) The Impact of Migration
Considerations on Healthcare Professionals in Albania: A Statistical Analysis
motivations within the healthcare sector, while suggesting that targeted
interventions may be necessary to address the concerns of specific age groups
and professional categories.
The demographic analysis of healthcare professionals in this study
reveals a balanced representation of genders, with an equal number of male
and female participants. The predominant age group of 31-40 years signifies a
critical segment of the workforce that holds substantial potential for
contributing to the healthcare sector. This age demographic aligns with findings
from previous studies, which suggest that younger and mid-career professionals
often face unique challenges and opportunities that can influence their career
trajectories (Rezarta Kalaja, 2020). Notably, the high percentage of specialist
doctors (40.2%) emphasizes the ongoing need for specialization within the
healthcare workforce, aligning with global trends highlighting the importance
of specialized training in enhancing healthcare delivery (Kalaja & Krasniqi,
2022).
The data from Table 2 presents alarming insights into healthcare
professionals’ migration considerations. With 62.7% of participants expressing
a desire to migrate, the findings underscore significant concerns regarding local
working conditions. This trend mirrors broader patterns observed in various
countries where healthcare professionals seek opportunities abroad due to
inadequate salaries and career advancement options (Aluttis, Bishaw, & Frank,
2014). The primary motivations for migration, as highlighted by the
respondents, were higher salaries and better career opportunities, which
reflect the pressing challenges facing the Albanian healthcare system (Harizi,
2024). Furthermore, the emphasis placed on the importance of transfer
possibilities (72.3%) indicates that improving local working conditions and
providing better career paths could potentially mitigate the migration trend.
Table 3 illustrates healthcare professionals' perceptions of their job
situation, revealing that 63.0% rate it as average or poor. This perception is
crucial as it correlates with the high desire to migrate. Participants also
expressed concern over the negative impact of migration on healthcare quality,
with 27.7% acknowledging the potential detrimental effects of workforce
shortages on service delivery. Economic stability emerged as a vital factor, with
SDGsReview | Florida, USA | VOL. 5| e03264| pag: 01-12| 2025.
Last name, name of the author. (2024). Job title
9
Krasniqi, M., Kalaja, R., Trebicka, B., Myshketa, R. (2025) The Impact of Migration
Considerations on Healthcare Professionals in Albania: A Statistical Analysis
48.3% of participants deeming it very important, reinforcing the notion that a
favorable economic environment is essential for retaining healthcare
professional (Pradhan et al., 2024), (Zotaj, Krasniqi, Bara, Kalaja, & Veizaj,
2024).
The statistical analysis presented in Table 4 highlights the significance
of various factors influencing migration considerations. The p-values indicate
that age, profession, and work duration are statistically significant factors in
migration motivations. In contrast, gender did not show a significant
relationship, suggesting that other factors may overshadow gender in
influencing migration decisions (Zhao, Akbaritabar, Kashyap, & Zagheni, 2023),
(Zhang, Mirza, Mohamad, & Azlan, 2024). These findings emphasize the need
for targeted interventions that consider age-specific and profession-specific
factors to address the migration trends among healthcare professionals
effectively.
5 CONCLUSION
The results of this study underscore critical challenges facing the
healthcare sector in Albania, particularly regarding the migration of healthcare
professionals. The demographic data indicates a stable workforce with a
significant number of specialists, yet the overwhelming desire to migrate raises
concerns about the future of healthcare delivery. Primary motivations such as
the pursuit of higher salaries and better career opportunities highlight the
urgent need for systemic improvements within the local healthcare system
(Krasniqi & Nallbani, 2022; Krasniqi & Bino, 2016). Moreover, the significance
of age, profession, and work duration in influencing migration considerations
calls for tailored strategies to enhance job satisfaction and retention of
healthcare professionals. To effectively address these issues, policymakers
must focus on creating favorable working conditions, providing competitive
salaries, and fostering career advancement opportunities to retain the
healthcare workforce and ensure the sustainability of the healthcare system in
Albania.
SDGsReview | Florida, USA | VOL. 5| e03264| pag: 01-12| 2025.
Last name, name of the author. (2024). Job title
10
Krasniqi, M., Kalaja, R., Trebicka, B., Myshketa, R. (2025) The Impact of Migration
Considerations on Healthcare Professionals in Albania: A Statistical Analysis
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This article is part of the project titled ““Assesment Of The Impact Of Migration
Of Health Professional On Labor Market And Health Sector Performance” funded
by Aleksander Moisiu University.
SDGsReview | Florida, USA | VOL. 5| e03264| pag: 01-12| 2025.
Last name, name of the author. (2024). Job title
11
Krasniqi, M., Kalaja, R., Trebicka, B., Myshketa, R. (2025) The Impact of Migration
Considerations on Healthcare Professionals in Albania: A Statistical Analysis
REFERENCES
Aluttis, C., Bishaw, T., & Frank, M. W. (2014). The workforce for health in a
globalized context—global shortages and international migration. Global
Health Action, 7, 23611. https://doi.org/10.3402/gha.v7.23611
Georgiou, M. K., Merkouris, A., Hadjibalassi, M., & Sarafis, P. (2021).
Contribution of healthcare professionals in issues that relate to quality
management. Mater Sociomed, 33(1), 45–50.
https://doi.org/10.5455/msm.2021.33.45-50
Harizi, A., Tartaraj, A., & Trebicka, B. (2024). Analyzing the relationship
between pricing strategy and customer retention in hotels: A study in
Albania. F1000Research, 13, 132723.
https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.132723.1
Kalaja, R. (2020). Challenges and employment opportunities of nursing students
after finishing the master in "Surgical Nursing." International Journal of
Research and Development, 7(1), 13–21.
https://doi.org/10.56345/ijrdv7n104
Kalaja, R., & Krasniqi, M. (2022). Patient satisfaction with quality of care in
public hospitals in Albania. Frontiers in Public Health, 10, 100.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.100
Kalaja, R., Kurti, S., & Myshketa, R. (2023). Service quality and patient
satisfaction with private health care services in Albania. International
Journal of Public Health Science, 12(1), 460–468.
https://doi.org/10.11591/ijphs.v12i1.22240
Karma, E., Devassia, B. P., & Muco, K. (2024). Determinants of sustainable
tourism efficiency: Evidence from East European countries. Sustainability,
16(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010001
Krasniqi, M., & Bino, S. (2016). Clinical and laboratory findings of Crimean-
Congo hemorrhagic fever in Albania in 2013-2015. International Journal of
Health Sciences, 4(1), 31–34. https://doi.org/10.15640/ijhs.v4n1a4
Krasniqi, M., & Nallbani, G. (2022). The effect of corticosteroids on macular
edema in patients with noninfective uveitis. Journal of Advanced Pharmacy
Education and Research, 12(2), 19–22. https
Krasniqi, M., Kalaja, R., Trebicka, B., & Myshketa, R. (2023). The effect of
migration of health workers in labor markets: A literature review.
International Journal of Research and Development, 10(3), 92–95.
https://doi.org/10.56345/ijrdv10n314
Kullolli, T. (2024). Understanding customer satisfaction factors: A logistic
regression analysis. Journal of Business Research, 12(2), 218–231.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2023.10.001
SDGsReview | Florida, USA | VOL. 5| e03264| pag: 01-12| 2025.
Last name, name of the author. (2024). Job title
12
Krasniqi, M., Kalaja, R., Trebicka, B., Myshketa, R. (2025) The Impact of Migration
Considerations on Healthcare Professionals in Albania: A Statistical Analysis
Owusu, Y., Medakkar, P., & Akinnawo, E. M. (2017). Emigration of skilled
healthcare workers from developing countries: Can team-based healthcare
practice fill the gaps in maternal, newborn, and child healthcare delivery?
International Journal of Maternal and Child Health, 6(2), 121–129.
https://doi.org/10.21106/ijma.204
Pradhan, M., Waghmare, K. T., Alghabshi, R., Almahdouri, F., Sawafi, K. M. Al,
Alhadhramy, A. M., & Alyaqoubi, E. R. (2024). Exploring the economic
aspects of hospitals: A comprehensive examination of relevant factors.
Cureus, 16(2), e54867. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.54867
Sabti, Y. M., & Ramalu, S. S. (2024). Home country economic, political, social
push factors and intention to migrate in Iraq: Psychological distress as
mediator. Cogent Business & Management, 11(1), 2299507.
https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2023.2299507
Trebicka, B., & Kullolli, T. (2023). Analysis of online pricing policies for hotels:
A case study of Durres, Albania. Review of Economics and Finance, 21, 2494–
2501. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3720190
Trebicka, B., Gjini, A., & Fortuzi, S. (2023). Crowding-out: Government &
private investment analysis. Corporate and Business Strategy Review, 4(4
Special Issue), 262–270. https://doi.org/10.22495/cbsrv4i4si2
Trebicka, B., Harizi, A., Krasniqi, M., Kalaja, R., & Tartaraj, A. (2024). Financial
development and economic growth: Exploring the impact of financial
systems, stability, and institutional quality on economic performance. Risk
Governance and Control: Financial Markets and Institutions, 14(3), 76–85.
https://doi.org/10.22495/rgcv14i3p8
Trebicka, B., Harizi, A., Krasniqi, M., Kalaja, R., & Tartaraj, A. (2024). Financial
development and economic growth: Exploring the impact of financial
systems, stability, and institutional quality on economic performance. Risk
Governance and Control: Financial Markets and Institutions, 14(3), 76–85.
https://doi.org/10.22495/rgcv14i3p8
Zhang, C., Mirza, E., Mohamad, W., & Azlan, A. A. (2024). A bibliometric
analysis of eHealth literacy: Evaluating approaches to promote health and
well-being in the context of SDGs. International Journal of Environmental
Research and Public Health, 21(4), 1–30.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21041345
Zhao, X., Akbaritabar, A., Kashyap, R., & Zagheni, E. (2023). A gender
perspective on the global migration of scholars. Proceedings of the National
Academy of Sciences, 120(10), e2214664120.
https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2214664120
Zotaj, A., Krasniqi, M., Bara, R., Kalaja, R., & Veizaj, S. (2024). Economics of
health workforce migration: A systematic review. Economics and Sociology,
17(1), 104–114. https://doi.org/10.57111/econ/3.2024.104