The evaluation of public health students opinion regarding public health studies and possibilities for carrier

Aim: To evaluate public health students opinion regarding public health studies and career possibilities. Methods: Survey was carried out in January - February, 2012. Questionnaires were distributed to all undergraduate public health students, from University of Vilnius, University of Klaipėda and Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. In the analysis, 141 correctly filled questionnaires were used. The response rate was 75.4 %. Results: The biggest part of students (85.8%) claimed that after the graduation of their studies would work in public health sector. It was revealed, that 41.8% of students were satisfied with study‘s subjects in their study programs. Only 35.5% of students claimed, that they had enough practical sessions during their studies. More than two thirds (78.0%) of respondents were planning to study at the Master’s level after the graduation of Bachelor’s degree. Epidemiology, statistic, management and foreign languages were considered as the most important subjects for coming career. More than a half (68.1%) of students indicated that career as important factor in their lives. Public health centers and Health Care institutions were indicated as the most desired work places. Only 10.6% of students reported, that they have been working Public Health sector. The majority of students (75.2%) expected to find job in Lithuania after the graduation of Bachelor program. The main reasons for emigration were better work and life conditions. More than a half of students (68.8%) agreed that Alumni organization is necessary and 52.5% expressed willingness to join this organization. Conclusions: The results have revealed that less than half of students were satisfied with their studies programs. The lack of practical sessions were identifies as big problem in studies. More than a half of students were interested to become to be members of Public Health Alumni organization. Most of the students were planning to work in Lithuania after their graduation. However 27.5% respondents have expressed intentions to go to work in other countries