Choice of health careers in students and their motivation and influence in social environments

Abstract

The choice of a university course is a major decision for students at the end of their secondary education, as this choice will determine their career path throughout their lives. In this decision-making process, both internal and external factors play a role in a young person's determination to opt for a specific career. The objective of this study was to identify the factors that influence the choice of careers related to the field of health in final year high school students in Ibarra, Ecuador, in the year 2022. A mixed, non-experimental, descriptive and cross-sectional field study was carried out. The sample was selected by non-probabilistic convenience sampling, and consisted of 223 students in their third year of high school. For data collection, a questionnaire of our own authorship was used, previously validated by professionals in the field, together with a semi-structured interview directed at focus groups. The predominant age range among the participants was 17 years old. In terms of ethnic identification, the majority considered themselves to be of mixed race and, in economic terms, all were financially dependent on their parents. The most influential internal factors in career choice were the desire to help others and personal vocation to the profession. In terms of external factors, employment opportunities in the labour market and favourable economic expectations stood out. The health careers with the highest demand among students were medicine and nursing. The study revealed that a significant proportion of students are interested in continuing their studies in health-related careers. Financial motivation, job opportunities and the possibility of earning a good income were identified as determining factors in the choice of degree programme.