Perceptions of Female Medical Students about Practicing in Rural Areas

Abstract

Background: Effective management of human resources for health-care services in rural areas are dependent on high salary packages. Aim: To explore whether security provided to female doctors in rural areas is sufficient as well as to determine if female doctors prefer to work in rural areas after specialization in Pakistan. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methodology: This study with enrolled female students (n=300) was carried out after ethical review committee’s (ERC) approval at CMH Kharian Medical College (CKMC), Community-Medicine Department, Kharian-Pakistan. A structured close ended questionnaire was designed. Data was analyzed by SPSS software, version 17. Analyzed data presented as percentage. Results: Results showed that 22% were satisfied whereas 78% subjects were unsatisfied. Regarding security satisfaction, 15% were satisfied whereas 85% were not. Similarly, staff available in RHC is sufficient according to 17% subjects while majority (83%) had opposite idea. Conclusion: We concluded that majority of the subjects did not want to perform their duties at RHCs rather 78% of them were unsatisfied with facilities provided to them at RHCs. Other reasons for unwillingness included lack of security, medical staff, low salary packages and plus they are not trained to work there. Keywords: Medical students, Rural Area and Security Concerns.