Predicting factors of Iranian nursing students' attitude toward brain drain: a cross-sectional study

The migration of nurses has become a critical concern for Iran's healthcare system. However, the roots of this challenge may emerge early-during nursing education-when students begin forming attitudes toward working abroad. This study aimed to identify key predictors of Iranian nursing students' attitudes toward brain drain using a validated multivariate approach.

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 296 bachelor's and master's nursing students from two nursing schools were recruited through convenience sampling between April and June 2025. Data were collected via an online questionnaire, which included demographic information, educational characteristics, life-related variables, migration-related factors, and the Attitudes toward brain drain scale. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to examine the predictors of attitudes toward brain drain. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics v.26.

The average age of students was 22.7 years. Half of the students reported a moderate level of interest in the profession. Canada was the most frequently chosen destination country (33.5%). The average attitude score toward brain drain was 59.25 ± 11.97. In addition, language proficiency (β = 0.498, p < .001) positively predicted attitudes toward brain drain, whereas life satisfaction (β = -0.192, p < .001) and family connectedness (β = -0.125, p = .014) were negative predictors.

These findings highlight the role of both personal and contextual factors in shaping migration attitudes among nursing students. Academic institutions should enhance educational experiences and support students' psychological well-being to foster more positive professional engagement within the country.