Factors Related to the Migration of Patients from Sistan and Baluchistan Province to Mashhad to Receive Medical Services

Several factors lead to the migration of patients to other cities with large and higher quality medical centers in order to receive diagnostic and treatment services. This study aimed to find out reasons for patient migration from Sistan and Baluchestan Province to Mashhad.

This was a descriptive study that carried out in 2020. The total number of patients was 2063 and the sample size for interview using Cochran's formula was 350. Using a standard questionnaire with 37 questions, data related to patient migration were collected in five dimensions (hospital characteristics, staff, services provided, facilities and personal characteristics). Data were analyzed using SPSS23 software and t-test, One Way ANOVA.

The most common disease among immigrants was pediatric diseases with 35%. The most important migration factors from the patients' view were related to quality of services provided with an average of 4.7 (SD = 0.29), followed by the factor related to staff 4.2 (SD = 0.45).

The most important factors in migration were the quality of services and hospital staff. Paying attention to improving the quality of medical services and creating motivation and commitment in hospital staff and the spirit of respect for patients can prevent unnecessary migration to other areas.