VOLUNTARY BEHAVIOR OF STUDENTS STUDYING MEDICAL SPECIALTIES IN THE CONTEXT OF A PANDEMIC

By training young people a range of practical medical skills and engaging them in volunteer activity, they are expected to express themselves and achieve outcomes that have an impact on their own lives and the lives of others in society. Purpose: to determine the attitudes and motivations of students studying medical specialties who want to volunteer using their professional training received at Higher Medical School during the pandemic. Material and Methods: A survey; Mathematical and statistical processing of the obtained data; Applying an established methodology for selection of willing and motivated students; Non-formal education. Results: Total surveyed students 282 - the largest number are those studying the Nurse specialty (48.2%). 57.4% of study participants had experience volunteering. 52.7% would work as a volunteer with Covid-19 patients. 11% were already volunteering Covid-19 at healthcare facilities. The main reason why students are most likely to volunteer in the Covid-19 sectors is personal moral principles (49.2%). The main way students would spread information in society about the nature and principles of voluntary student work is through social networks (75.2%). Conclusions: More than half of the respondents had experience as volunteers. Students are motivated and willing to help Covid-19 patients. Personal motivation and opportunities to improve skills and acquire new knowledge and competencies are the main reasons students prefer volunteering during a pandemic. Volunteer work has a positive influence on the professional development of students, a good impact on their professional identity creation and is essential for their future work as healthcare professionals.