Exploratory analysis of factors affecting the retention of medical students, doctors, and nurses in Lebanon during socioeconomic and political crises: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Due to the ongoing socioeconomic and political crisis in Lebanon, healthcare personnel face numerous challenges that are driving them toward emigration. This cross-sectional study examines the factors that affect Lebanese medical students', doctors', and nurses' retention in the country. METHODS: Data were collected from August to December 2024 from Lebanese medical students, doctors, and nurses during a severe socioeconomic and political crisis. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted on 819 participants via a structured 60-item online survey following a Likert-style scale to identify key retention determinants. Reliability analysis was performed via Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega, with a Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) value of 0.964 and a statistically significant Bartlett's test of sphericity (p < 0.05), confirming the data's suitability for factor analysis. RESULTS: Twelve retention factors were identified and ranked by importance: compensation & benefits (mean = 4.58, α = 0.821), work‒life balance (mean = 4.55, α = 0.796), workplace sanitation & security (mean = 4.54, α = 0.813), disaster preparedness & crisis management (mean = 4.51, α = 0.919), job satisfaction & recognition (mean = 4.50, α = 0.911), political & economic stability (mean = 4.49, α = 0.844), autonomy (mean = 4.47, α = 0.809), support from colleagues (mean = 4.44, α = 0.889), career development (mean = 4.38, α = 0.773), support from management (mean = 4.38, α = 0.894), mental health & stress management (mean = 4.31, α = 0.862), and workplace comfort & amenities (mean = 4.20, α = 0.830). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the multifaceted factors influencing healthcare professionals' retention in Lebanon amid ongoing crises. These insights provide an opportunity for policymakers and healthcare leaders to focus on critical areas where targeted investments could strengthen the retention of doctors, nurses, and medical students in Lebanon and possibly in other countries experiencing similar crises.