Prevalence And Factors Influencing Pursuit Of Higher Education Abroad Among Medical Interns In India: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Every year thousands of medical graduates go abroad to pursue higher education after completing MBBS from India. This consistent rush of medical graduates abroad can have negative impact on India’s health care. This study is conducted to find the prevalence of intention among medical interns to pursue higher education abroad and to identify the factors influencing the pursuit of higher education abroad. METHODS: Ethical Clearance: Institutional ethical clearance was given on May 11, 2023 vide letter no. SGRD/IEC/2023-190. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Study Population- MBBS Interns of medical colleges in India. Study Tool - Predesigned and Pretested questionnaire. Data Collection Procedure: Questionnaire was shared through google forms in specific social whatsapp groups. Data Collection Duration : Google forms were circulated on 1st June 2023, closed on 1st July 2023.Total 417 interns who filled the google forms were included in study. Statistical Analysis: Relevant descriptive and inferential statistics were used to arrive at valid conclusions. CONCLUSION: Lower educational costs, greater stipends, less competition for admission, better healthcare facilities, opportunities for personal improvement and better career options emerged as major influencing factors for pursuit of higher education abroad.