Attitude towards working in rural areas: a cross-sectional survey of rural-oriented tuition-waived medical students in Shaanxi, China

• DOI: 10.1186/s12909-018-1209-z
• Publication Date: 2018-05-02T09:08:57Z
• Authors: Jinlin Liu; Kun Zhang; Ying Mao
• Keywords: Graduation (instrument); Cross-sectional study

Attracting and recruiting health workers to work in rural areas is still a great challenge China. The rural-oriented tuition-waived medical education (RTME) programme has been initiated implemented China since 2010. This study aimed examine the attitudes of students (RTMSs) Shaanxi towards working related influencing factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted 2015 among 232 RTMSs two universities from first group enrolled RTME Shaanxi. Descriptive analytical statistics were used for data analyses. Of 230 valid responses, 92.6% expressed their intentions breaking contract township hospitals 6 years after graduation under programme. After expired, only 1.3% intended remain areas, 66.5% had no intention remaining, 32.2% unsure. factors positive attitude (no contract) included being female, having mother educated at level primary school or below, good understanding policy, cognition value work, satisfied with policy. remaining origin, regular family monthly income, father whose occupation farmer, postsecondary above, be final arbiter policy choice, educational scheme. Related makers workforce managers may benefit findings this study. Appropriate strategies should stimulate RTMSs' intrinsic motivation improve willingness better achieve objectives Meanwhile, measures increase retention also advanced.