title: Factors influencing students' decision in choosing obstetrics and gynecology as a career in a university hospital in Central Saudi Arabia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine factors influencing final year medical undergraduate trainees at King Saud University in choosing a career in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this cross sectional study, the undergraduate final year medical students and interns at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were asked to complete a survey instrument designed to assess possible attracting and detracting factors. The survey was conducted from January 2010 to February 2010. Factors were analyzed in a univariable and multivariable analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The survey was distributed to 507 students. Completed questionnaires were returned by 330 participants (response rate 65%). Overall, 32 (9.7 %) of students listed Obstetrics and Gynecology in their top 3 choices. The rotation of students through Obstetrics and Gynecology was the most influential factor attracting 81.3% of the students who chose to take this course. Faculty interaction was a major reason for attracting students accounting for 71.9%, but resident interaction was less attractive where only 37.5% of students mentioned that they were affected positively by residents. Hands-on experience such as performing deliveries and other procedures were significant attracting factors. (p=0.006 and p=0.004).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings in this study will hopefully aid in recruiting trainees to the specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Saudi Arabia. Identifying the 5 major attracting factors from our study will allow our institute to integrate these factors in Obstetrics and Gynecology curriculum design, eventually increasing interest in postgraduate training in this specialty.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, PO Box 7805, Riyadh 11472, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. baburafea@ksu.edu.sa
authors: Basim F
authors: BF
authors: Abu-Rafea
authors: Basmah F
authors: BF
authors: Al-Hassan
authors: Kholoud A
authors: KA
authors: Al Nakshabandi
authors: Nora O
authors: NO
authors: Rahbini
authors: Ghadeer K
authors: GK
authors: Al-Shaikh
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002321:Career Choice; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000193:education; D012529:Saudi Arabia; D055815:Young Adult