O021 Evaluating the impact of neurosurgical rotation experience in Africa on the interest and perception of medical students towards a career in neurosurgery: a continental, multi-centre, cross-sectional study. (22nd July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ooi, SZY; Dada, OE; Bukenya, GW; Kenfack, YJ; Chi, L; Ohonba, E; Adeyemo, E; Narain, K; Awad, AK; Barrie, U; Sichimba, D; Ogunfolaji, O; Kitonga, LM; Oriaku, AJ; Bamimore, MA; Okor, DE; Rominiyi, O
• Is Part Of: British journal of surgery. Volume 109(2022)Supplement 4
• Publication Date: 2022-07-22
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znac242.021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1323

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Africa has the second-highest neurosurgical workforce deficit globally, and many medical students in Africa lack exposure to the field. This study aims to assess the impact of a neurosurgical rotation during medical school in shaping the perception and interest of students towards a career in neurosurgery. Methods: This is a continental, multi-centre, cross-sectional study. A Google Form e-survey was disseminated to African clinical medical students between February 21st and March 20th, 2021. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and adjusted logistic regression modelling. Results: Data was received from 539 students in 30 African countries (n=30/54, 55.6%). The majority of participants were male (n=289/539, 53.6%) and were from Kenya (n=83/539, 15.4%). Most students had undertaken a clinical neurosurgery rotation (n=278/539, 51.6%); the majority reported a rotation length of four weeks or less (n=181/278, 65.1%). Students with clinical experience were less likely to pursue the specialty (p=0.02) and had a stronger perception that it is more difficult for women to pursue neurosurgery (p=0.0001) when compared to those without clinical experience. However, after adjusting for other factors, students with greater than four weeks of neurosurgical exposure were more likely to express a career interest in neurosurgery (odds ratio [OR]=1.75, p<0.04) and men were more likely to express interest in a neurosurgical career compared to women (OR=3.22, p<0.001). Conclusion: Our findings support standardised, continent-wide, curriculum development, and advocacy supporting improved gender inclusivity in education and policy-making to improve the quality of neurosurgical exposure during medical school and tackle the workforce deficit across Africa. Take-home message: A continent-wide, standardised curriculum guide to neurosurgical rotations, and advocacy for gender inclusivity in education and policy-making efforts across the African continent is required to shape the perception and interest of medical students towards a career in neurosurgery.