Assessment of Perception on Careers in Preventive Medicine Among Medical Students From Taif University: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives Preventive Medicine (PM) remains underrepresented despite its importance in public health, particularly in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to assess advanced clinical students' (Years 5-6) perceptions of PM, examine factors associated with PM perceptions, and evaluate perceived barriers to PM selection at Taif University. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study surveyed Year 5 and Year 6 medical students (n=245). The questionnaire measured demographic information, specialty decision-making factors, perceptions of PM, and COVID-19 pandemic influences. Internal consistency was evaluated via Cronbach's alpha. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, correlations, and regression analyses were conducted, with significance at p<0.05. Results Of 245 advanced clinical students surveyed (113 Year 5; 132 Year 6), only seven (2.9%) indicated intention to pursue PM. Reliability measures for key scales were as follows: Specialty Confidence Index (α=0.55, interpreted cautiously), Factors Influencing Specialty Choice (α=0.80), and Perceptions of Preventive Medicine (α=0.68). Higher specialty confidence (β=0.35; p<0.001) and career factors (β=0.22; p<0.001) predicted favorable PM perceptions but not actual PM selection. The logistic regression model for PM choice was non-significant (p=0.189), likely due to the small PM group (n=7). Conclusions Despite recognizing PM's public health value, very few students chose it as their specialty. This workforce gap necessitates curriculum reform, mentorship development, and systemic changes to PM's professional standing. Study limitations include the unvalidated questionnaire and single-institution design.