Factors influencing student choice of a degree in physiotherapy: a population-based study in Catalonia (Spain)

摘要: Background In other healthcare professions, there has been extensive research into students' motivation, but studies aiming to determine what leads individuals choose a degree in physiotherapy are scarce. This study had three main objectives: obtain sociodemographic profile of first-year students Catalonia; the factors that lead physiotherapy; and potential differences, according gender country origin. Methods is an observational, cross-sectional, multicentre study. Data were collected by means self-administered, ad-hoc questionnaire, consisting 15 Likert scale questions, options ranging from "not influencing at all -1-" "extremely -5-". Ten out twelve universities Catalonia (Spain) offer participated this The sample consisted 941 (55.2% men; mean age 20.1, SD: 3.4). Results most determinant leading pursue were: helping others (95.6%); relationship between sports (79%); involving manual work (76.4%); it being perceived as providing multiple job opportunities (75.9%). Male French attracted due its relation (MD = 0.369, p < 0.001 MD 0.130, p < 0.027), perception easy 0.148, 0.091, p < 0.037), admiration for known physiotherapist 0.223, p = 0.006 0.265, p = 0.001), employability 0.297, 0.706, p < 0.001), good income 0.190, p = 0.002 0.609, p < 0.001) social recognition 0.164, p = 0.011 0.286, p < 0.001). Helping -0.149, interest sciences -0.164, p = 0.030) more female students. guided recommendation 0.234, p = 0.001) complement previous 0.237, p = 0.016). tended present selection wish since childhood 0.595, 0.427, because work, did not -1.122, Conclusions desire help care others, sports, predominant physiotherapy. Female favour science, whereas male complementing studies, (admiration, recommendation, friendship) socioeconomic determinants such employability, or recognition. When compared Spanish students, motivated connection some vocational profession.