Research Article

The Effects of Perceived Career Barriers and Living Conditions in Istanbul on Turnover Intention Among Healthcare Workers

Volume: 11 Number: 3 September 15, 2026
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The Effects of Perceived Career Barriers and Living Conditions in Istanbul on Turnover Intention Among Healthcare Workers

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between perceived career barriers and turnover intention among public healthcare workers in Istanbul, and to evaluate the effect of local living conditions on this relationship. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using a relational survey model between March and May 2025. The sample consisted of 249 healthcare workers employed in public hospitals on the European side of Istanbul. Data were collected using a demographic information form, the Career Barriers Inventory (40 items), and the Turnover Intention Scale (4 items). Analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0, including ANOVA and multiple regression tests. Results: Of the participants, 66.7% were female, the mean age was 32.5±8.1 years, and the average monthly income was 58,164 TL. A total of 69.9% stated that the cost of living in Istanbul negatively affected their professional life. According to variance analyses, marital status (p<0.001), occupational group (p<0.001), shift type (p<0.01), and leadership aspirations (p<0.05) significantly influenced perceived career barriers. In contrast, perceived living conditions in Istanbul were significantly associated with turnover intention (p<0.01) but not with perceived career barriers. Multiple regression analysis revealed that turnover intention was significantly predicted by low self-confidence (β=0.239, p=0.001), lack of career planning (β=0.220, p=0.004), work-life imbalance (β=0.215, p<0.001), frequency of night shifts (β=0.182, p=0.002), and perceived cost of living in Istanbul (β=0.176, p=0.002). Conclusion: Certain dimensions of perceived career barriers and the burden of living conditions in Istanbul significantly increase the turnover intention among healthcare workers. Strategies to retain employees should include individual support programs and social policy interventions targeting urban living challenges.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

Our study was approved by the Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University Ethics Committee (Date: 27.03.2025, Decision No: 2025/03). The study was conducted in accordance with international ethical standards and relevant guidelines.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Health Services and Systems (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

September 15, 2026

Submission Date

May 31, 2025

Acceptance Date

July 9, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 11 Number: 3

APA
Danayiyen, A. (2026). The Effects of Perceived Career Barriers and Living Conditions in Istanbul on Turnover Intention Among Healthcare Workers. Online Turkish Journal of Health Sciences, 11(3), 231-238. https://doi.org/10.26453/otjhs.1711096
AMA
1.Danayiyen A. The Effects of Perceived Career Barriers and Living Conditions in Istanbul on Turnover Intention Among Healthcare Workers. OTJHS. 2026;11(3):231-238. doi:10.26453/otjhs.1711096
Chicago
Danayiyen, Aysun. 2026. “The Effects of Perceived Career Barriers and Living Conditions in Istanbul on Turnover Intention Among Healthcare Workers”. Online Turkish Journal of Health Sciences 11 (3): 231-38. https://doi.org/10.26453/otjhs.1711096.
EndNote
Danayiyen A (September 1, 2026) The Effects of Perceived Career Barriers and Living Conditions in Istanbul on Turnover Intention Among Healthcare Workers. Online Turkish Journal of Health Sciences 11 3 231–238.
IEEE
[1]A. Danayiyen, “The Effects of Perceived Career Barriers and Living Conditions in Istanbul on Turnover Intention Among Healthcare Workers”, OTJHS, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 231–238, Sept. 2026, doi: 10.26453/otjhs.1711096.
ISNAD
Danayiyen, Aysun. “The Effects of Perceived Career Barriers and Living Conditions in Istanbul on Turnover Intention Among Healthcare Workers”. Online Turkish Journal of Health Sciences 11/3 (September 1, 2026): 231-238. https://doi.org/10.26453/otjhs.1711096.
JAMA
1.Danayiyen A. The Effects of Perceived Career Barriers and Living Conditions in Istanbul on Turnover Intention Among Healthcare Workers. OTJHS. 2026;11:231–238.
MLA
Danayiyen, Aysun. “The Effects of Perceived Career Barriers and Living Conditions in Istanbul on Turnover Intention Among Healthcare Workers”. Online Turkish Journal of Health Sciences, vol. 11, no. 3, Sept. 2026, pp. 231-8, doi:10.26453/otjhs.1711096.
Vancouver
1.Aysun Danayiyen. The Effects of Perceived Career Barriers and Living Conditions in Istanbul on Turnover Intention Among Healthcare Workers. OTJHS. 2026 Sep. 1;11(3):231-8. doi:10.26453/otjhs.1711096

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