Factors influencing health profession students’ willingness to practice in rural regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction:The literature indicates different factors influencing recruitment of health professional students to work in rural areas. The purpose of this study is to explore the willingness of health profession students in the Faculty of Medicine Foca, University of East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina to work in a rural area following graduation and the factors influencing incentives to pursue a rural career. Methods:The cross-sectional study included first-year through sixth-year students aged 18 years or older and enrolled in one of three study programs at the Faculty of Medicine: medicine, dentistry and nursing. The questionnaire was distributed at the beginning of the winter semester during the first required lecture for each year and study program class. Data was analyzed using student t-test, analysis of variance when appropriate, Kruskal-Wallis test and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 519 students participated, an 88.3% response rate. Three hundred and ninety-nine (77%) participants responded positively to the question 'When you complete your studies, would you be inclined to accept a job in a rural region?' Factors associated with willingness to practise in rural areas included being female (p=0.027) and having a rural upbringing (p=0.037). Significant differences between medicine, nursing and dentistry students were found in their opinion that willingness to work in rural practice depends greatly on the possibility to get residency more easily (p=0.001). Compared to their peers, nursing students had better opportunities to attend national courses cost-free (p=0.027) and to be involved in the education of new generations of health profession students (p=0.001). Getting a post in an urban area after a work period in a rural area was most valued as an incentive by dentistry students (p=0.037). The multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze predictors of willingness to practise in rural areas. Students who had been raised in a rural community (p=0.042) as well as female students (p=0.016) were more likely to accept rural practice. Statistical significance at an alpha level of 0.05 was not reached for study program and year of study. Conclusions:The results of the study showed a high willingness of medicine, dentistry and nursing students to work in rural areas following graduation. Female students and students who were raised in a rural community were more likely to choose a rural career. Stakeholders should be committed to strengthening the rural deployment of health professionals by creating a more attractive, rural environment.

Significance and assessment of emotional intelligence of nurses

“…This fact suggests that it is necessary to improve social and emotional skills. By searching and analyzing systematic reviews and meta-analyzes from three databases (Pubmed/Medline, EM-BASE, Scopus) where the works were obtained in which a larger number of examinees were included, it was concluded that by implementing social and emotional learning programs nurses could acquire the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary for understanding and managing emotions, achieving positive goals, maintaining positive relationships and making responsible decisions in work [34,35,36,37].…”

Influence of Oral Health Care Systems on Future Career Environment of Dental Students in Europe

“…In this context, it is also necessary to underline that the cost or tuition of dental school has increased significantly, leading to potential student debt that must be financed largely by private loans for costs sometimes exceeding USD 25,000/year. The keenness of health profession courses for students to work in the countryside after graduation was reported [45]. It is also worth noting that female students and students who come from a rural community are also more inclined to opt for a career in rural areas [46].…”

How Geographical Isolation and Aging in Place Can Be Accommodated Through Connected Health Stakeholder Management: Qualitative Study With Focus Groups

“…It is a must to reduce bureaucracy and increase the timeliness of treatment and care. Measures to improve access to health and social care systems for pre-frail and frail patients, as well as their caregivers, must be considered [25]. Also, CH is beneficial for patients with chronic conditions as well as for the frail, by improving access to health care services and allowing them to be monitored at home [26].…”