Health Education and Health Promotion

Abstract Aims: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between demographic factors and well-being among pediatric residents and to assess the applicability and interrelation of the Short Form Health Survey 8, Linear Analog Self-Assessment, and Maslach Burnout Inventory in evaluating resident well-being.
Instrument & Methods: This cross-sectional survey was done on 88 pediatric residents at a single institution. Participants completed self-reported questionnaires, including the Short Form Health Survey 8, Linear Analog Self-Assessment, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Demographic data were collected, and statistical analyses, including linear regression and Spearman correlation, were conducted to identify associations between demographic variables and well-being outcomes.
Findings: Residents living with family exhibited significantly higher Linear Analog Self-Assessment scores (B=1.00, 95% CI: 0.23 to 1.78, p=0.012) and lower Short Form Health Survey 8 physical and mental component scores (B=-6.50, 95% CI: -12.54 to -0.47, p=0.035, and B=-7.16, 95% CI: -14.28 to -0.04, p=0.049, respectively). Correlation analysis showed expected interrelations among the Short Form Health Survey 8, Linear Analog Self-Assessment, and Maslach Burnout Inventory scores, supporting their concurrent validity in assessing resident well-being.
Conclusion: There is a significant association between living with family and improved well-being among pediatric residents.

Abstract Aims: It is important to know the factors that influence physicians when choosing a medical specialty so that authorities can improve the admission and selection processes for medical residency positions accordingly. This study aimed to determine the factors that influence the choice of medical specialty among general practitioners of Peru.
Instruments & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire and included 576 general practitioners who were preparing for the medical residency exam in Peru. To establish the association of demographic variables and other factors with the choice of medical specialty, we used Pearson’s chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test.
Findings: Most participants were women (56.8%) under 30 years (79.2%). The specialties in high demand were pediatrics (11.1%), general surgery (7.3%), and gynecology and obstetrics (5.4%). Most physicians believed that their university education did not prepare them enough for the residency exam (59.8%). Moreover, 64% of the participants chose their specialty based on vocation and mainly intended to work in hospitals where they could better perform their clinical and surgery rotations (40.5%). Most participants did not consider the economic factor as decisive for choosing their medical specialty (76.3%). Male physicians (p˂0.0001) and those who consider the economic factor (p=0.008) important for choosing their medical specialty were more likely to choose a surgical specialty.
Conclusions: Physicians already have a fixed choice and do not choose specialties where there is less competition. Economic factors are not decisive in choosing a specialty. Additionally, we observed few applicants for primary care specialties.