Abstract
Research is able to improve the lives of big populations by investigating effective interventions and then implementing those through public health policies. Whilst research on the inclination of Medical or Science undergraduate and postgraduate students has been conducted, little is known about what students pursuing a Masters degree in Public Health perceive the purpose of research to be. Their perceptions and inclinations will shape their research pursuits and career directions, which impacts the health outcomes of the community. Our findings suggest MPH students see improving the lives of the community as the most important purpose of research. Student's had more inclination to pursue research when influenced by a mentor however, many students still claimed that they either lacked confidence and skills in completing research or had no intention of pursuing research beyond their degrees, which suggests the need for curriculum adjustments.
Highlights
The field of public health can be credited with vast improvements in health and well-being by investigating effective interventions and implementing those through public health policies
Whilst research on the perceptions and motivations of medical students has been conducted, little is known about what public health students understand the purpose of research to be
Zweigenthal et al examined the motivations of Master of Public Health (MPH) students in South Africa showing that the primary motivations of physicians undertaking an MPH were to improve career prospects and to facilitate a transition to a career in research [8]
Summary
The field of public health can be credited with vast improvements in health and well-being by investigating effective interventions and implementing those through public health policies. It is crucial to understand the motivations of today’s public health students as they will shape the research and policy decisions that determine future population health outcomes. Whilst research on the perceptions and motivations of medical students has been conducted, little is known about what public health students understand the purpose of research to be. Studies examining the motivations of medical students have revealed the primary motivations for undertaking research were career advancement and to publish research; suggesting individualistic motivations [2,3,4,5,6,7,8]. Zweigenthal et al examined the motivations of Master of Public Health (MPH) students in South Africa showing that the primary motivations of physicians undertaking an MPH were to improve career prospects and to facilitate a transition to a career in research [8]. Barriers to participation in research among medical students include a lack of mentors and a lack of research training [2,3,4,5,6, 9,10,11,12,13,14]
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