The Satisfaction Level of Participants of the 5th Medical Student's Scientific Olympiad in Iran in 2013

It is attempted to identify creative and talented individuals and to ensure the satisfaction of volunteers through creating a joyful atmosphere in scientific Olympiads. The aim of the present study was to assess the level of satisfaction of candidates with the quality of the 5th National Medical Sciences Olympiad in Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the summer of 2013. The study population consisted of the candidates of the 5th National Medical Sciences Olympiad among the medical universities of Iran. The subjects were selected through census method. The data collection tool was a questionnaire designed by the researcher and its validity and reliability were confirmed. Data were analyzed using SPSS software at a significance level of P < 0.050. Of the 222 studied candidates around the country, 67 individuals (30.2%) studied Basic Sciences, 52 (23.4%) Clinical Reasoning, 67 (30.2%) Management of Health Systems, and 36 (16.2%) Art in Medical Education. The mean satisfaction level of candidates with the quality of this national Olympiad was 3.2 ± 1.1, and with the content and functionality of this Olympiad was 3.3 ± 1.2. There was a significant relationship between gender and satisfaction with the quality of the Olympiad (P = 0.002). There was a significant relationship between age (P = 0. 010, r = 0. 131), semester (P = 0. 019, r = 0.122), and academic type (P = 0. 019) and satisfaction with content and functionality of this Olympiad. Satisfaction with quality, content, and functionality of the 5th Olympiad was at a moderate level, and thus, requires improvements.