Motivations and Limitations of Pursuing a Career in Psychiatry: A Cross-Sectional Study from the United Arab Emirates

Background. The global burden of mental disorders continues to grow with significant health, social, and economic consequences. Unfortunately, the gap between need for healthcare its provision remains wide all over world. recruitment retention psychiatrists is a long-standing concern in United Arab Emirates, social stigma playing potential role. This study aimed at investigating factors that affect psychiatrists’ choice psychiatry as an area practice Emirates. Methods. cross-sectional was undertaken using anonymized 30-item online questionnaire. Ethical approval obtained from Emirates University Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee prior participant recruitment. We recruited qualified currently working structured questionnaire assessed participants’ sociodemographic reasons choosing psychiatry. Statistical analysis, including Pearson correlations chi-square tests, performed statistical package sciences (SPSS) version 26. Results. found doctors trained were statistically more likely face opposition specializing ( p value < 0.001). Participants family member or friend psychiatrist choose first-choice specialty id="M2"> 0.01). Psychiatrists below age 35 their decision specialize id="M3"> 0.006). who regretted feel this way first year residency id="M4"> Conclusions. Multiple influence responses Younger people studied citizen psychiatry, indicating why there are such high rates overseas shortages profession.