Withering before the sowing? A survey of Oman's tomorrow's doctors' interest in psychiatry: A survey of Oman's 'tomorrow's doctors' interest in psychiatry

Samir Al-Adawi, Atsu Ss Dorvlo, Cashmera Bhaya, Rodger G Martin, Aziz Al-Namani, Ala'din Al-Hussaini, Amr D R Guenedi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the attitudes of medical students towards psychiatry, both as a subject in their medical curriculum and as a career choice. Three separate domains were elicited: (i) merit, competency and status; (ii) perceived attitude and attributes toward psychiatry and psychiatric services and (iii) treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 26-item scale Das and Chandrasena Questionnaire was administered prior to and immediately following an 8-week clinical training program.

RESULTS: Results indicate that the perception of psychiatry was positive prior to clerkship and became even more so upon completion of the training. However, there was a significant drop in the proportion of students who indicated that they might choose a career in psychiatry.

CONCLUSION: This is consistent with other studies suggesting that perception of psychiatry is enhanced following a clerkship but this does not translate into psychiatry as a career intention. This finding is highlighted in light of the increasing magnitude of the number of people affected with mental disorders in a developing country like Oman but with no parallel development in psychiatric services.

Original languageEnglish
Article number117
Pages (from-to)117
JournalEducation for Health: Change in Learning and Practice
Volume21
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2008

Keywords

  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Career Choice
  • Clinical Clerkship
  • Culture
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mentally Ill Persons
  • Oman
  • Psychiatry/education
  • Students, Medical
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education

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