Articles

Curriculum challenges faced by rural-origin health science students at South African medical schools

P Diab, P S Flack, L H Mabuza, H Moolman

Abstract


Background. The current shortage of healthcare workers in rural communities demands attention. The sourcing of rural-origin students (ROSs) has been suggested, but retention of these students in their chosen degrees is crucial. Addressing the tertiary education challenges that ROSs face is critical to ensuring their success.

Objective. To focus on the various challenges influencing throughput of ROSs.

Method. This article is one of a series of investigations into various aspects of university life and career choices of health science students. Data were collected at three South African universities by the Collaboration for Health Equity through Education and Research (CHEER) collaborators. Ethical permission was sought from each institution. Health science students at the relevant institutions consented to completing a self-administered questionnaire. The data were analysed on SPSS and χ2  tests were used to describe the statistical significance of the results.

Results. Academic course content was the greatest challenge as perceived by students. Differences between rural and urban students were significant in all aspects of university life studied. Technological challenges were five times more common for ROSs. Differences between first- and final-year students were not as marked, although the personal challenges and academic course content became easier as students progressed through their degree.

Conclusion. Although ROSs face similar challenges as students of urban origin, in some instances these are enhanced and magnified. These students are more likely to find various aspects of university life challenging. To improve the success and retention of ROSs, adequate support structures are essential


Authors' affiliations

P Diab, Discipline of Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa

P S Flack, Discipline of Speech Language Pathology, School of Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa

L H Mabuza, Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, School of Medicine, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (Medunsa Campus) (formerly University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus)), Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa

H Moolman, Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science,Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa

Full Text

PDF (155KB)

Keywords

Curriculum challenges; Rural-origin students; Finances; Academic content; Language; Technology

Cite this article

African Journal of Health Professions Education 2015;7(1):. DOI:10.7196/AJHPE.390

Article History

Date submitted: 2014-02-06
Date published: 2015-02-23

Article Views

Abstract views: 8924
Full text views: 3215

Comments on this article

*Read our policy for posting comments here