Evaluation of environmental and occupational health students’ attitudes toward their field of study at Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2013

Background: Studies show that most students do not have sufficient scientific spirit and motivation and usually do not have the right attitude toward their chosen field of study. The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes of students in occupational and environmental health at Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Iran, toward their disciplines. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study examined the attitudes of 150 students of environmental and occupational health in relation to their field of study. The participants consisted of students who were studying at Ardabil University of Medical Sciences between 2010 and 2013. Data collection was conducted using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and P values of less than 0.05 were considered as significant. Results: The mean and standard deviation score of attitudes of occupational and environmental health students toward their field of study and their future career were 39.6 ± 8.7 and 44.5 ± 8.5 (Total: 42), respectively. The mean score of environmental health students was close to the acceptable limit; however, the mean score of occupational health students was less than the acceptable limit. Mean score of attitude among male students was 43.2 ± 9.9, while it was 41.3 ± 8.3 among female students, indicating that the mean score of female students was below the acceptable limit and was not significant (P = 0.213). Mean score of attitude among single students was 42.6 ± 8.7, while it was 39.9 ± 9.2 among married students. The mean for married students was below the acceptable limit and this relationship was not significant (P = 0.015). Conclusions: Although the attitudes of environmental health students toward their major were positive, occupational health students’ attitudes were negative. Thus, the Ministry of Health and Medical Education can accommodate students’ admission to these majors considering the needs of the labor market. Moreover, these majors’ curricula should be based on the real needs of society and creating new job markets should be a high priority.