Factors affecting the choice of neurosurgery: Medical student’s perspective

Abstract

Introduction

Choosing a promising specialty for medical students is not an easy decision, particularly in a field like neurosurgery known for its high levels of stress. However, in recent years, there has been a decrease in interest, especially among female students, in choosing surgical specialties. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify influential factors in the selection of neurosurgery as a specialty from the perspective of medical students.

Methods

This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2023 at the Shahr-e Kord University of Medical Sciences. we estimated a sample size of 425 individuals from the study population. We collected the data using a questionnaire, which was administered through an online questionnaire system.

Results

Male and female perceptions of neurosurgery was similar across many of the surveyed factors, except for: “Male dominated”,“ Tolerant of criticism”, “Duration of residency” and “Must be an athlete”. The factor analysis reduced the 28-variable dimensionality to six latent factors that accounted for 60.72% of the variance found. The factor analysis recognized that, although male and female medical students do have some similar Survey Variable, the influence or weighing of those preferences is different for male and female students. The first latent factor for females consisted of: “Diverse patient population,” and “Procedural based.” The first latent factor for males consisted of: “Male dominated,” and “Prestige.”

Conclusion

The factor analysis indicated that male and female students weight differently when selecting a specialty; this difference may account for the large differences in proportion between males and females in Neurosurgery residency.