54. Perceptions of Public Health and several factors influencing major choice among students at Hanoi Medical University and Hanoi University of Public Health, 2024 - 2025
Main Article Content
Abstract
A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 304 first- and second-year Public Health students at Hanoi Medical University and Hanoi University of Public Health to explore students’ perceptions and factors influencing their choice of majoring in public health. The findings revealed that 88.2% of students were exposed to information about the Public Health field during their 12th grade, yet only 33.6% selected it as their first-choice major. Although the majority of students had a positive perception of the role of Public Health and its training program (mean scores of 3.8 ± 0.57 and 3.9 ± 0.69, respectively), their perception of career opportunities remained limited (mean score: 3.2 ± 0.49). Qualitative findings revealed that students’ decisions were influenced by individual factors (e.g., interest and career aspirations), family guidance, admission criteria and learning conditions, along with their access to major-related information. The study underscores the importance of enhancing career guidance and early orientation communication at the secondary education level.
Article Details
Keywords
Public Health, first-year students, second-year students, perception, influencing factors, major choice
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