Background <p>Public health graduates play a crucial role in disease prevention, yet China is experiencing significant workforce attrition. Jiangxi Province illustrates this problem, with a public health workforce density of 7.31 per 10,000 population, which falls short of national standards, and ongoing difficulties in recruitment and retention. This study explores turnover intention and its predictors among public health graduates in Jiangxi to provide evidence for improving retention strategies.</p> Methods <p>A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 546 graduates, yielding a 91% response rate, using convenience sampling. Multivariable logistic regression and structural equation modeling (SEM) were applied to identify predictors of turnover intention and psychological contract dimensions.</p> Results <p>Factors associated with lower turnover intention included being older than 30 years (<i>OR</i> = 0.169), holding senior professional titles (<i>OR</i> = 0.131), working in administrative roles (<i>OR</i> = 0.157), and having permanent employment status (<i>OR</i> = 0.265). SEM analysis showed that all dimensions of the psychological contract (normative, developmental, and relational) were negatively associated with turnover intention, with relational contracts exerting the strongest influence (<i>β</i> = −0.620).</p> Conclusion <p>Strengthening job stability through measures such as career advancement opportunities and fulfillment of psychological contracts is essential for retaining public health professionals in under-resourced provinces like Jiangxi.</p>