Influential Factors in Medical Students` Attitudes towards Studying Medicine in 2002

Introduction. Different factors can make students interested in studying medicine and cause a positive attitude towards their course of study, or in contrast, lead to their boredom, distraction, and disappointment to continue their education. Thus, this study aims to assess influential factors in the attitude of medical students towards their own discipline. Methods. A survey study was performed on 227 medical students who were chosen by stratified random sampling. The data was gathered by a self-administered questionnaire covering different factors affecting medical students’ attitude towards studying medicine. The data was analyzed by SPSS software using mean, frequency and chi-square tests. Results. Personal interests, serving society, social status of medicine, and society's belief on the importance of medicine were the most important factors in choosing medicine as a discipline. Teachers’ evaluation method, shortage of research facilities, lack of job security, and educational regulations were among the most important factors causing a negative attitude in medical students towards studying medicine. The feelings to help patients and satisfy others were the most important factors causing a positive attitude in students. Although the interest in medicine had decreased during different years of study, no significant difference was observed. There was a significant relationship between students’ attitude and some of their demographic characteristics. Conclusion. The problems resulting from evaluation methods, research facilities and future job security were the most important factors causing a negative attitude towards medicine. Therefore, accurate educational planning, having standard examinations and planning to achieve professional security can improve these attitudes.