Healthcare Expat adjustment in Qatar
Description
The study hypothesized that several factors significantly influence expatriate adjustment in Qatar's healthcare sector, affecting job satisfaction and patient care quality. This was supported by a survey of 385 healthcare workers in Qatar, conducted from October to December 2022. Using a 5-point Likert scale, the survey assessed expatriate experiences in adjustment and social support. Key findings include: Gender and Adjustment: Females adjusted better, with 35.2% rating themselves as 'Extremely Adjusted', compared to 28.7% of males. Age Factor: The 35-44 age group showed the highest adjustment levels, with 36.4% in the 'Extremely Adjusted' category. Language Proficiency: Arabic fluency correlated positively with adjustment; 27.4% fluent speakers were 'Extremely Adjusted'. Social Support's Role: A critical factor, the absence of social support was linked to poor adjustment. The survey provided insights into the complex nature of expatriate adjustment, encompassing not just professional adaptation but also cultural and social integration. The distinct adjustment patterns among demographics like females and those aged 35-44 indicate the effectiveness of targeted interventions. The significance of social support and language skills highlights the need for programs fostering cultural assimilation and language learning. These insights are crucial for healthcare administrators and policymakers in Qatar, offering a basis for creating strategies to improve expatriate adjustment. Focusing on gender, age, language skills, and social support can lead to more effective policy interventions, enhancing expatriates' integration into the healthcare system, improving job satisfaction, and elevating patient care standards in Qatar