Speciality preferences and influencing factors among medical students at a South-Western Nigerian University

• Published in: Discover education 2024-11, Vol.3 (1), p.1-6, Article 230
• Main Authors: Adebajo, Glory Olalekan, Ijadunola, Macellina Yinyinade, Akinwamide, Emmanuel Segun, Oluduro, Morenikeji Ilerioluwa Esther, Eluyinka, Oyindamola David, Odedeyi, Comfort Aderonke, Elugbaju, Olarenwaju Temitope
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Computers and Education; Education; Medical students; Sociology of Education; Speciality choice
• ISSN: 2731-5525; 2731-5525
• DOI: 10.1007/s44217-024-00334-0

Speciality choice is an important decision for doctors, often starting during medical school. In Nigeria, where the doctor-to-population ratio is low and worsened by emigration, understanding medical students’ speciality preferences can inform strategies to ensure a balanced distribution of specialists. A total of 500 pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire were distributed among medical students at Obafemi Awolowo University of which only 350 full and suitable responses were retrieved. Data were analysed with SPSS 26, and chi-square test of significance using a confidence interval of 95% was done with p value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. The most preferred specialities were surgical (101; 28.9%) and medical (68; 19.4%), while community medicine (9; 2.6%) and laboratory medicine (4; 1.1%) were least preferred. A significant number (124; 35.4%) of students remained undecided, particularly among lower-year students. Gender influenced choices, with males favouring surgery and females leaning towards paediatrics. There was statistical relationship between gender and speciality choice at 95% confidence interval (p = 0.0002