Factors Associated with Medical Students’ Career Choices Regarding Internal Medicine in Uganda
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Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Research Square
Abstract
There is an unmet need for internal medicine physicians in Uganda owing to the growing burden of
diseases. This study aimed at evaluating the factors associated with career choices of undergraduate
medical students regarding internal medicine in Uganda.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study in the first 3 weeks of October 2021 via WhatsApp messenger.
Medical students in the 3rd to 5th year of study who had completed internal medicine clinical rotations
and pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree at 7 Ugandan universities
(4 public and 3 private) were enrolled. Multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to
determine factors associated with a career choice in internal medicine.
Results
We enrolled 418 participants, median age 24 (interquartile range (IQR): 23 – 26) years, 67.7% were male,
and 36.1% had a family member or relative who was a doctor. Most of the students (84.0%) were
interested in research. The top three most preferred specialties were internal medicine (52.6%), surgery
(51.2%), and obstetrics & gynaecology (51.0%). Overall, 186 (44.5%) participants reported plans to pursue
a Master of Medicine degree in internal medicine. Interest in research was the only factor independently
associated with 2.5-fold higher odds of pursuing a career in internal medicine (adjusted odds ratio: 2.5,
95% CI: 1.4 — 4.6, p=0.003). About 73% of the participants strongly agreed that internal medicine requires
wide reading.
Conclusions
There is strong interest to pursue a career in internal medicine among Ugandan medical students. We
recommend increase in training opportunities in Internal Medicine especially in view of the growing
disease burden and increasing population growth.
Description
Keywords
Internal medicine, Career choices
Citation
Bongomin, F., Olum, R., Kajjimu, J., Kanyike, A. M., Atulinda, L., Ninsiima, D., ... & Byakika-Kibwika, P. (2022). Factors Associated with Medical Students’ Career Choices Regarding Internal Medicine in Uganda. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-1217120/v1