Perception of Nephrology among Medical Doctoral Students at Lome in 2024

Introduction: Despite its pivotal function in the management of renal diseases, nephrology is an area that attracts few medical students. The objective of this study was to assess their perception of this specialty and to identify the factors influencing their career choices. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of five months at the University of Lome. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on subjects’ demographics, academic background and perception of the field of nephrology. This data was analysed using univariate and multivariate statistical methods to identify the factors influencing the choice of nephrology. Results: 174 medical doctoral students were included, predominantly male with a sex ratio of 2.35. Among the participants, 37 (21.3%) were considering a career in nephrology. Multivariate analysis confirmed that clinical exposure (OR = 58.6 for one internship, OR = 119 for multiple internships) was the main determinant of interest in nephrology. Conversely, negative perceptions of the discipline and the pedagogical characteristics of the courses were not significantly associated with career choice. Conclusion: It is evident that interest in nephrology is predominantly driven by clinical experience and mentorship from educators. To enhance its appeal, it is essential to expand access to internships to foster student engagement.