Specialty career preferences among final year medical students at Makerere University College of health sciences, Uganda: a mixed methods study

Abstract Background Uganda has an imbalanced distribution of the health workforce, which may be influenced by specialty career preferences medical students. In spite this, there is inadequate literature concerning factors influencing preferences. We aimed to determine and among fifth year students in School Medicine, Makerere University College Health Sciences (MakCHS). Methods A sequential explanatory mixed methods study design with a descriptive cross-sectional followed qualitative was used. total 135 final MakCHS were recruited using consecutive sampling. Self-administered questionnaires three focus group discussions conducted. Quantitative data analysed STATA version 13 (StataCorp, Station, Tx, USA) statistics, chi-square tests logistic regression. Qualitative NVIVO 12 (QRS International, Cambridge, MA) content analysis. Results Of 91 (67.4%) male their median age 24 years (IQR: 24, 26). As first choice, most preferred obstetrics gynecology (34/135, 25.2%), surgery (27/135, 20.0%), pediatrics (18/135, 13.3%) internal medicine (17/135, 12.6%). Non-established specialties such as anesthesia Ear Nose Throat (ENT) not selected choice any student. Female had 63% less odds selecting surgical related compared males (aOR = 0.37, 95%CI: 0.17–0.84) . The highlighted controlled lifestyle, assurance good life through better financial remuneration inspirational specialists facilitators for preference. Bad experience during clinical rotations, lack guidance plus perceived poor miserable barriers Conclusion Obstetrics Gynecology, Surgery, Pediatrics Internal Medicine are well-established disciplines, dominantly preferred. Females likely select disciplines choice. Therefore, need implement or establish mentorship programs attract neglected disciplines.