Prevalence of professional fulfillment, and intention to leave and its risk factors among academic physicians at Ain Shams University, Egypt

Abstract

Abstract Background Physician turnover is a big burden on health care system and is a real risk on it. Burnout and dissatisfaction among physicians increasingly threaten workforce stability, turnover intentions, and healthcare quality, particularly in academic settings. This study measured prevalence of burnout, professional fulfillment (PF), and intention to leave (ITL) among academic physicians at Ain Shams University and identifying ITL predictors. Methodology In this cross-sectional study (n = 260), data on sociodemographic, Professional Fulfillment Index (PFI) subscales (burnout/PF), single-item ITL, and contributing factors were collected via electronic survey. Bivariate (t-tests/Chi-square) and multivariate stepwise logistic regression (SPSS v24; p < 0.05) analyses identified predictors. Results PF was low (3.8%), burnout high (70%), and moderate-to-high ITL prevalent (63%). Multivariate analysis showed low PF (aOR = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.003–0.45, p = 0.007) and burnout (aOR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.4–2.9, p = 0.001) as independent ITL predictors. Common factors included work pressures, poor alignment, and lack of recognition. Conclusions Substantial burnout and low PF among academic physicians associate with elevated ITL after adjustment, signaling workforce risks. Institutional efforts to improve work conditions and support are warranted, with longitudinal studies needed to assess causality.