Career choice satisfaction and career change intentions of South African health professionals: a cross-sectional survey
1
Centre for Health Professions Education, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
2
Regional Office for Africa, World Health Organization, Brazzaville, Congo
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A999
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Career satisfaction and stability among health professionals are critical to workforce retention and health system performance. However, limited empirical evidence exists on the factors shaping career satisfaction and change intentions within the South African context. This study examined the determinants of Career Choice Satisfaction (CCS) and Career Change Intention (CCI) among South African health professionals across varying occupational and employment sectors.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 175 qualified health professionals including medical practitioners, nurses/midwives, pharmacists, nutritionists/dietitians, and psychologists working in public, private, and other sectors. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, Fisher’s Least Significant Difference (LSD) post-hoc tests, and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression to identify factors associated with CCS and CCI.
RESULTS:
The sample was predominantly female (76.6%), Black or African (74.3%), and public sector-employed (54.3%), with most respondents aged 25–44 years, reflecting a mid-career workforce. Although 82.6% reported being happy with their career choice; only 53.9% indicated they would choose the same career again. Psychologists had the highest satisfaction (M = 86.06), followed by pharmacists (M = 77.23), medical practitioners (M = 76.03), and nurses/midwives (M = 74.15), while nutritionists/dietitians reported the lowest satisfaction (M = 59.82). Adequate pre-career information and influence of school marks were identified as significant positive predictors of CCS. CCI varied across professional categories with Nutritionists/dietitians and medical practitioners more likely to consider changing careers. Financial dissatisfaction, poor workplace conditions and lack of future growth opportunities were the strongest predictors of CCI.
CONCLUSIONS:
Informed and self-directed career choices and favourable workplace environments determine CCS among SA Health Professionals. Financial instability, poor working conditions, and limited growth prospects significantly increases intentions to change careers. Strengthening career guidance systems, professional development pathways, and workforce retention strategies is essential to sustain motivation and stability within South Africa’s health workforce.
Career satisfaction and stability among health professionals are critical to workforce retention and health system performance. However, limited empirical evidence exists on the factors shaping career satisfaction and change intentions within the South African context. This study examined the determinants of Career Choice Satisfaction (CCS) and Career Change Intention (CCI) among South African health professionals across varying occupational and employment sectors.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 175 qualified health professionals including medical practitioners, nurses/midwives, pharmacists, nutritionists/dietitians, and psychologists working in public, private, and other sectors. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, Fisher’s Least Significant Difference (LSD) post-hoc tests, and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression to identify factors associated with CCS and CCI.
RESULTS:
The sample was predominantly female (76.6%), Black or African (74.3%), and public sector-employed (54.3%), with most respondents aged 25–44 years, reflecting a mid-career workforce. Although 82.6% reported being happy with their career choice; only 53.9% indicated they would choose the same career again. Psychologists had the highest satisfaction (M = 86.06), followed by pharmacists (M = 77.23), medical practitioners (M = 76.03), and nurses/midwives (M = 74.15), while nutritionists/dietitians reported the lowest satisfaction (M = 59.82). Adequate pre-career information and influence of school marks were identified as significant positive predictors of CCS. CCI varied across professional categories with Nutritionists/dietitians and medical practitioners more likely to consider changing careers. Financial dissatisfaction, poor workplace conditions and lack of future growth opportunities were the strongest predictors of CCI.
CONCLUSIONS:
Informed and self-directed career choices and favourable workplace environments determine CCS among SA Health Professionals. Financial instability, poor working conditions, and limited growth prospects significantly increases intentions to change careers. Strengthening career guidance systems, professional development pathways, and workforce retention strategies is essential to sustain motivation and stability within South Africa’s health workforce.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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