Perception of medical students toward their learning environment, field of study, and career prospects

Providing a proper learning environment promotes motivation, satisfaction, and an overall positive perception in students; therefore it is essential for training skillful proficient doctors. Hence, the present study aims to assess the viewpoints of medical students on learning environment, field of study, career prospects, and the correlation between them.

This study is a descriptive cross-sectional correlational study with a sample size of 165. Data was collected through standard questionnaires of DREEM to assess the learning environment as well as the Hasanloo et al. questionnaire to assess attitudes toward the field of study and career prospects. Data normality was measured using Kolmogrov Smirnov test. Correlation between attitude toward learning environment, field of study, and career prospect was evaluated by Pearson test.

The mean total score of 97.83 obtained in DREEM test, indicated a semi-optimal environment and did not show a significant difference in preclinical, and clinical students. Scores regarding the perception of the field of study and career prospects were 31.60 and 21.20, respectively, which indicates the students' optimal perception of the field of study and career prospects. Career prospect' score in preclinical students was higher than clinical students (p <0.05). Pearson test showed a positive correlation among attitude toward learning environment, field of study, and career prospect.

The results of this study showed that students' perception of the learning environment is semi-desirable and needs planning for improvement that can be effective in the development of attitudes toward field of study and career prospects too.