Career choice satisfaction and career change intentions among health professions students in south africa: evidence from a multi-university survey
1
Centre For Health Professions Education, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
2
Regional Office for Africa, World Health Organization, Brazzaville, Congo
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Understanding the factors influencing Career Choice Satisfaction (CCS) and Career Change Intentions (CCI) is critical for improving retention and motivation among future health professionals. This study examined these determinants health professions students in four universities in South Africa.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional survey of 333 students from four universities—University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), University of Limpopo (UL), University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), and Nelson Mandela University (NMU)—was conducted. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, and Fisher’s LSD post hoc tests to assess variations and predictors of satisfaction and career change intentions.
RESULTS:
Overall career choice satisfaction was high (M = 79.77, SD = 18.40), with significant institutional differences, F(3, 329) = 5.20, p = .0016. WITS students reported the highest satisfaction levels. Having adequate information before study was the only significant positive predictor of satisfaction (β = 9.55, p < .001). The mean CCI score was relatively low (M = 18.54, SD = 21.42), but differences across fields were significant, F(4, 328) = 7.11, p < .001. Nursing students expressed the highest intentions to change careers, while medical students showed the lowest. Five factors predicted higher career change intention: financial dissatisfaction (β = .141, p = .047), poor workplace conditions (β = .268, p = .001), lack of growth opportunities (β = .301, p < .001), younger age (β = –.205, p < .001), and lower career choice satisfaction (β = –.157, p = .005).
CONCLUSIONS:
The findings underscore the need to strengthen career guidance, workplace quality, professional growth pathways, and financial incentives to sustain motivation and reduce attrition among future health professionals in South Africa.
Understanding the factors influencing Career Choice Satisfaction (CCS) and Career Change Intentions (CCI) is critical for improving retention and motivation among future health professionals. This study examined these determinants health professions students in four universities in South Africa.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional survey of 333 students from four universities—University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), University of Limpopo (UL), University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), and Nelson Mandela University (NMU)—was conducted. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, and Fisher’s LSD post hoc tests to assess variations and predictors of satisfaction and career change intentions.
RESULTS:
Overall career choice satisfaction was high (M = 79.77, SD = 18.40), with significant institutional differences, F(3, 329) = 5.20, p = .0016. WITS students reported the highest satisfaction levels. Having adequate information before study was the only significant positive predictor of satisfaction (β = 9.55, p < .001). The mean CCI score was relatively low (M = 18.54, SD = 21.42), but differences across fields were significant, F(4, 328) = 7.11, p < .001. Nursing students expressed the highest intentions to change careers, while medical students showed the lowest. Five factors predicted higher career change intention: financial dissatisfaction (β = .141, p = .047), poor workplace conditions (β = .268, p = .001), lack of growth opportunities (β = .301, p < .001), younger age (β = –.205, p < .001), and lower career choice satisfaction (β = –.157, p = .005).
CONCLUSIONS:
The findings underscore the need to strengthen career guidance, workplace quality, professional growth pathways, and financial incentives to sustain motivation and reduce attrition among future health professionals in South Africa.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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