The Factors Influencing Job Turnover and Retention among Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists in Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study
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Abstract
Objective: The demand for mental health services for children and adolescents in Thailand has surged significantly. Turnover of child and adolescent psychiatrists affects service capacity. Therefore, this research aims to identify the factors that differ between the turnover and retention groups of psychiatrists.
Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data from the registered members of the Thai Psychiatric Association for Children and Adolescents. Data were gathered using an online questionnaire from April to September 2025. Statistical analyses employed the Chi-square test for categorical variables and the student’s t-test or Mann–Whitney U test for continuous variables. Finally, stepwise regression analysis was conducted to select and test statistically significant variables influencing workplace relocation.
Results: Factors that showed significant differences between child and adolescent psychiatrists in Thailand who changed versus did not change their workplace included province of the first workplace (OR = 0.08, 95% CI = 0.01 – 0.43, p-value < 0.01), emotional exhaustion (OR = 2.44, 95% CI = 1.16 – 5.12, p-value = 0.01), work-related stress affecting family (OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.10 – 3.33, p-value = 0.02), income (OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.99 – 0.99, p-value = 0.03), and workplace relationships (OR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.24 – 0.94, p-value = 0.03).
Conclusion: The findings highlight key determinants associated with workplace transitions among child and adolescent psychiatrists in Thailand. These insights provide valuable guidance for developing strategies to support the healthcare of child and adolescent psychiatric services nationwide.
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