Factors Influencing Pediatric Specialty Choice among Pediatric Residents of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences

Introduction Factors influencing the choice of the subject could strengthen the knowledge and motivation to enter the field to promote the health of society. This study explores factors influencing pediatric specialty choice of pediatric residents in Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods In this cross-sectional study, all 38 pediatric residents were undertaken using a questionnaire designed to assess their reasons with regard to pediatric course choice. The nameless questionnaire with sixteen questions was completed separately. The reliability and validity of the questionnaires were verified by experts and Cronbach's alpha (0.81). Data were analyzed by using SPSS-13 software. Results From 38 pediatric residents, including 26 female (71%) and 12 male (29%), twenty six (70.3%) were married. Mean age was 33.1 +/- 4.2 years. participating in the study mentioned factors such as "helping patients", "raising knowledge and skills" and "the ability to do a better service" with the average of 4.32, 4.26 and 4.18 respectively as high priority; and factors such as "lack of heavy duty," "comfortable and effortless" and "lack of urgency", respectively, with an average of 2.18, 2.24 and 2.37 had a low priority in choosing pediatric specialty course. According to the t-test, statistically significant differences were observed between gender, marital status and factors influence specialty choice of pediatric course (P<0.05). Conclusion Pediatric residents paying more attention to factor such as helping patients and increase their knowledge and skills in selection of pediatric specialty. Understanding the factors influencing the process of specialty choice by general physicians will help managers selecting appropriate strategies to promote education and health care in the community.