PREVALENCE, INFLUENCING FACTORS AND PERCEPTION OF PART TIME EMPLOYMENT AMONG UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS IN A PUBLIC UNIVERSITY IN MALAYSIA

Abstract

Background:

Commitment in academic medicine due to high work load, packed study hours and a lot of curriculum leads one to question whether part time work is really an option. However, there is limited data on what extend of medical students in Malaysia towards part time employment. The aims of the study are to determine the prevalence, influencing factors and perception of part time employment among undergraduate medical students in Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Methodology:

A cross sectional study, conducted on 150 undergraduate medical students in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia. A self-developed questionnaire was used.

Results:

Respondents were Year 2 – Year 5 medical students of UPM. Majority of respondents aged 19-20 years, female, Malay and their monthly household income ranged between RM5 000- RM10 000 (USD1580-3200). Most of the respondents had scholarships. The prevalence of part time employment was 12%, which was highest among male, Malay, aged 21-22 years with monthly household income of less than RM5 000. About 27.3% of respondents had good perception towards part time employment. Significant associations were found between age and part time employment, and between monthly household income and part time employment.

Conclusion:

Prevalence of part time employment is relatively low among undergraduate medical students in UPM if compared to those in overseas. Majority of the respondents have poor perception on effect of doing part time job. Age and monthly household income are in significantly associated with part time employment.

Keywords: medical students, employment, prevalence, influencing factors, perception