Perception and attitude of medical students in UNEC towards Community Medicine as a career choice

Abstract Community Medicine tends to study health and disease in a population of a defined community and it provides comprehensive health services ranging from preventive, promotive, curative to rehabilitative services. Understanding the perceptions and attitude of medical students towards Community Medicine will be a great tool in planning a sound medical labour force for a better healthcare delivery Objective This study was carried out to ascertain the perception of medical students towards Community Medicine as a specialty. The study was carried out in UNEC with a total of 204 respondents who were in their fifth and final year classes. Data collection was by means of self-administered close ended questionnaire. Two hundred and four medical students returned their questionnaires and they displayed good knowledge of the discipline and its role in the society; majority 195(95.6%) perceived Community Medicine as vital part of medicine. While 150(73.5%), disagreed with living and working in rural area. However, only 90(44.1%) would choose Community Medicine as a specialty. Among the 114 who would not specialize in Community Medicine, 101(49.5%) were of the opinion that 'it was not interesting'. Medical students in UNEC showed good knowledge of Community Medicine but majority would not specialize in the discipline mainly because they did not find it interesting. Continuous education of stakeholders, students, parents and general populace as to what really constitutes Community Medicine might be useful. Also curriculum should be redesigned to lay emphasis on the peculiarly interesting rural community-based postings. Key messages Continuous education of stakeholders, students, parents and general populace as to what really constitutes Community Medicine might be useful. Curriculum should be redesigned to lay emphasis on the peculiarly interesting rural community-based postings.