The Attitude of Health Technology Assessment Students to Their Field of Study and Future Career in Iran

Background and aims: Positive attitudes toward future career lead to job motivation and consequently to career success. Health technology assessment (HTA) students are worried about their future career due to lack of defined vacancies. The aim of this study was to determine the attitudes of HTA students toward the field of study and future career. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015. The samples (n = 40) were selected by census and the questionnaire was sent by email to each participant. The data collection period was 6 months. The questionnaire reliability was evaluated using Cronbach alpha (α = 0.85). Questions were measured by 5-point Likert scale (absolutely agree to absolutely disagree). The data were analyzed by relevant statistical tests using SPSS version 20.0. At the beginning of the study, informed consent forms along with questionnaire were sent to participants and the participants were enrolled if they were volunteered. Results: Response rate was 95%. The mean score of students’ attitudes toward the field of study and future career was 62.48 (11.15) and 62.63 (8.61) respectively. Participants’ attitudes were generally positive. There was a significant positive correlation between the 2 main areas of attitude (r = 0.43, P = 0.006). Conclusion: In general, the results of this study showed that the attitudes of HTA students toward the field of study and future career are positive. Proper planning in the admission process, addressing the needs of students, professor’s paying attention to motivate the students and responding to student questions, and anticipated job categories in the relevant organizations, can lead to job satisfaction and optimism about the future career.