Assessment of Attitude and Perception toward Neurology and Neurosurgery Specialties among Medical Students and Interns Attending College of Medicine at University of Tabuk in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia-2017

Document Type : Original Article

Author

1 Medical Intern, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Tabuk/ KSA 2Medical resident, King Salman Armed Forces Hospital, Tabuk/ KSA

Abstract

Background: Although neurological and psychiatric disorders account for only 1.4% of all deaths, they account for a remarkable 28% of all years of life lived with a disability. Thus, all doctors must be prepared to meet the needs of patients with such disorders and refer appropriately for specialized care and investigations, bearing in mind that neurologists often function as consultants for other physicians.
Methods: We have conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in Tabuk city population, Saudi Arabia. The study was conducted during the period from October to December 2017. The participants who attended the clinical years and interns at College of Medicine at University of Tabuk were included in the study. The total sample obtained was 104. A self-administered questionnaire, about perception and knowledge about neurological specialties, was filled by participants.
Results: The range of age was 21-26, with a mean (SD) of 22.72 (1.837), the majority were interns (34.6%). Nearly (31%) of them reported neurosurgery as the most difficult specialty.
Conclusion: This study highlights some of the reasons and suggestions to improve and correct perception of neurological specialties and subjects.

Keywords