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| Authors | A E Azzopardi S Agius Dunlop M Cordina A G Fenech |
| Abstract | Background: The number of students reading for a degree at the University of Malta has been on the increase over the past few years. This may be due to changes in University regulations and the increase in the number of options but may also be due to other factors. Various social and cultural factors may play a significant role in an individuals choice of university course. Aim: To determine the main factors influencing the choice of university course for pharmacy and medical students. Methods: A short questionnaire was distributed to students in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th years attending a pharmacology class. Filled in questionnaires were retrieved at the end of the class. Chi-squared analysis of data was performed using the SPSSw statistical platform. Results: The majority, 95.4%, (n = 62) of pharmacy and 95.8%, (n = 137) medical students declared that they were happy with their choice. Both pharmacy students and medical students were highly influenced by their family members in their choice. This was significantly more so in the case of pharmacy students 64.2% (n = 43) as compared to medical students 46.9% (n = 67; p = 0.05). Female pharmacy students were more highly influenced than their male counterparts (p = 0.05). The stronger family influence in pharmacy may be related to the fact that 40.3% (n = 27) of pharmacy students had a health care professional in the family as compared to 29.4% (n = 42) of medical students. Both pharmacy 61.2% (n = 41) and medical students 74.1% (n = 106) declared that they were mainly inspired to choose their respective courses for the reason of helping people. This was followed by financial security for 28.4% (n = 19) of pharmacy students and 25.2% (n = 36) of medical students. Conclusion: The family appears to be the main influencing factor on pharmacy and medical students in their choice of university course. This may be a reflection of the strong family influence in the Maltese society. |
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| Journal | Pharmacy Education, |
| Volume | 6(3) |
| Pages | 215 - 216 |
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| Key words | University, education, medicine, pharmacy, choice |