ABSTRACT
The distribution of health personnel and the resulting shortages of health care to economically depressed, ethnic, rural and inner city areas is a serious problem. Recruiting students from and training them in underserved areas has been suggested as one way to improve retention rates among graduates of allied health programs. A one-year follow-up survey of 1974 graduates of allied health programs sponsored by an Area Health Education Center located in an underserved, one ethnic group predominant rural area was done to test this approach. Results show that of the 122 graduates surveyed in this study, one year after graduation 85% had returned to work in the area of their previous residence. Among professional groups, licensed vocational nurses experienced the least migration. Generally, professions requiring higher levels of education showed higher relocation rates. Sex and ethnicity were related to these findings. The appeal of higher salaries or material benefits alone did not appear to attract graduates to migrate. It appears that communities with shortages of health manpower due to maldistribution may be successful in correcting this problem by recruiting students from their own area. Possible explanations and recommendations related to these findings are discussed.
