The undergraduate medical student’s perception of professional mentorship: Results from a developing nation’s medical school
نویسندگان
1 Department of Surgery, Urology Unit, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Jos
2 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head‑and‑Neck Surgery, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
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4 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head‑and‑Neck Surgery, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
5 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head‑and‑Neck Surgery, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
6 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head‑and‑Neck Surgery, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
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doi
چکیده
INTRODUCTION: There are no documented formal mentoring programs for medical students inNigeria. This study aims to determine the perception of undergraduate medical students at theUniversity of Jos on professional mentorship, with a view to informing University authorities oncreating and developing a mentoring program.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional study conducted in December 2017 in whichself‑administered questionnaires were distributed among the sixth‑year medical students in aUniversity in North‑Central Nigeria, eliciting information regarding biodemographic data, knowledgeof and experiences with mentoring, desired benefits of mentoring, and the willingness to participatein a mentoring relationship. Data collected was analyzed with EPI Info statistical software®version 7.2.1 (EPI Info, Center for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia, 2017).RESULTS: In a class of 166, the response rate was 83.5%. Mean age = 27.4 years; standarddeviation = ±2.6 with a male: female ratio of 1.9:1. Moderate knowledge of mentoring was reportedby 47 (44.3%). Attitude toward mentoring was very positive in 23.6%. One hundred and four (98.1%)students agreed mentoring are effective in developing potential. Nearly 95.3% agreed a mentorshipprogram would benefit medical students with 70.8% expressing high willingness to participate. A weakpositive statistical correlation between the age of students and those who expressed willingness toparticipate was recorded (r = 0.04; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.6–1.16; and P = 0.05).CONCLUSION: Sixth‑year medical students of the University of Jos have a moderate knowledgeof and a good attitude toward mentorship. The implementation of a formal mentoring program formedical students at the University of Jos is strongly recommended.
