The Concept of Sustainable Development in the Curriculum of the Medical Universities in Poland

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the research was to obtain and process data pertaining to the elementary sustainable development (SD) knowledge medical university students in Poland possess in order to grasp their expectations relating to this field. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research employed the diagnostic poll method. The study was conducted between March and September 2020 among 636 students of medical universities in Poland. The comparative analysis of qualitative variables employed Pearson's χ2 test and contingency tables. The non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA and the Mann-Whitney U test were applied in the analysis of rank order scale responses. Findings: Findings of the research confirm the existence of an educational gap concerning education for sustainable development (ESD) at medical universities in Poland. The study confirmed that the students possess elementary knowledge of sustainable development. It ought to be noted that they associate SD primarily with environmental and economic aspects. The analysis of results also revealed that the students are aware of the impact an individual may exert upon sustainable development. The study indicated that men proved to be familiar with elementary SD terminology significantly more frequently than women. Practical Implications: The results of the study offer a basis for changes in educational curricula and in projects executed at medical universities concerning SD-associated matters. Originality/Value: Results concerning education, fundamental SD knowledge and familiarity with SD-related issues exhibited by medical university students in Poland. The results consider the impact of various variables such as gender, field of study, year of study, and grade point average.