Factors affecting Career Preferences for Nephrology among Medical Interns in South-South Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Despite the increasing magnitude of kidney disease, there appears to be a dearth of

Nephrologists globally. This is more disturbing in low income countries like Nigeria where health care is

already staggered by several factors. The aim of the study was to determine the career preferences for

nephrology among medical interns as this may be an indicator of the future nephrology workforce

Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among interns in four tertiary hospitals

purposively selected in south-south Nigeria between January and March, 2021. A self- administered

questionnaire was used to obtain their biodata, information on factors influencing specialty choice, deterrents

to choice of nephrology and their recommendation.

Results: Only 8(5.4%) respondents were interested in specializing in nephrology. The most important

factors determining choice were post-fellowship job opportunities (57.6%), opportunities to perform

procedures (51.5%) and prospect of a future private practice (37.9%). The most important factors cited as

deterrents to choosing Nephrology included high risk of death (41.2%), poor outcome of patients (36.6%) and

severity of illness (31.7%) Recommendation made by respondents included provision of standard equipment

and working tools (82.1%), improved quality of service (80.6%) and provision of health insurance for

patients (77.8%).

Conclusion: Career preference for nephrology was low and deterred by high risk of death and poor outcome of

renal patients. Specialty choice was mainly influenced by job opportunities, opportunities to perform

procedures and prospect of future private practice.

KEYWORDS: career, deterrents, hospital, medical interns, nephrology, specialty