Evidence map›Paper›PMID 38274910›Full record

ArticleCureus2023

Factors Shaping Medical Students' Intentions Toward Neurosurgery: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Sami F Almalki, Abdulelah S Almousa, Abdullah K Alarfaj, Muhannad M Alwadany, Abdullah F Al Wadani, Mohammed Yasser Ibrahim Daoud, Ossama M Zakaria

Open access · diamondAbstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Cureus, 2023. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
1.4field-weighted citation impact, top 17% of its field
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed, 3 citations in OpenAlex.

  1. Article
  2. Spontaneous rupture of an arachnoid cyst with subdural hygroma formation: a rare case report and literature review.Child's nervous system : ChNS : official journal of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery · 2026
    Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors at 1 institution in 1 country.

Sami F AlmalkiDepartment of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, SAU.
Abdulelah S AlmousaDepartment of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, SAU.
Abdullah K AlarfajDepartment of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, SAU.
Muhannad M AlwadanyDepartment of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, SAU.
Abdullah F Al WadaniDepartment of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, SAU.
Mohammed Yasser Ibrahim DaoudDepartment of Surgery, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, SAU.
Ossama M ZakariaDepartment of Surgery, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, SAU.
King Faisal University · SA

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background Choosing a medical specialty poses a significant challenge for students, with initial fascinations often evolving during their academic journey. Despite its inherent appeal, neurosurgery faces hesitancy among undergraduate students, potentially due to perceived difficulties and time demands. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing medical students' intentions toward neurosurgery at two institutions in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Methodology A cross-sectional study design was employed, utilizing a validated, anonymous questionnaire distributed electronically to medical students and interns in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire comprised two sections, namely, demographic and academic profiles, and participants' intentions, knowledge, and attitudes toward neurosurgery. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, and chi-square tests to explore relationships and identify significant predictors. Results Of the participants, 197 (34.1%) expressed interest in neurosurgery, but only 94 (16.3%) had a comprehensive understanding of the field. Motivations included high income, specialty prestige, and positive impact on patients, while stress and work-life balance were common deterring factors. Age and academic years were associated with a gradual decrease in interest, except for initial medical school students. Participants were attracted to innovative technological aspects, while high competition and neurophobia were deterring factors. Conclusions This study provides a comprehensive analysis of determinants influencing medical students' and interns' interest in neurosurgery. Early exposure, clinical training, and personal motivations play significant roles in shaping career preferences. Challenges, such as perceived difficulties and concerns related to work-life balance, need targeted interventions to enhance neurosurgery's attractiveness. Considerations extend beyond technical and academic facets to encompass personal and lifestyle dimensions.

Indexed as

influential factorsmedical educationmedical studentsneurosurgeryspecialty selection

Identifiers

PMID38274910
PMCPMC10809298
OpenAlexW4390229820

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.