Beyond the textbook: Unveiling medical students’ voices on public health education

Abstract

Background: Training medical students in public health (PH) is crucial for shaping their future practices as healthcare professionals. This study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of fifth-year medical students at a South African university regarding their PH training to inform curriculum development and enhance the learning experience.
Methods: A mixed-methods study with a convergent design was conducted. The questionnaire was distributed electronically to 248 fifth-year medical students using a 5-point Likert scale. A total of 85 students participated in the survey (34% response rate). Qualitative data were obtained through a single focus group discussion with five participants, all of whom were former class representatives from the same cohort and eligible survey participants. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data analysis, whereas thematic analysis was employed for qualitative data.
Results: The study revealed appreciation for PH among students. However, concerns were raised about late exposure to PH in medical training and, predominantly, didactic teaching methods. Most students agreed on the integral role of PH in clinical medicine. The study also highlighted a need for more research opportunities in the undergraduate programme.
Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for early exposure to PH, more engaging teaching methods and increased research training opportunities in PH. These insights can guide the revision and improvement of PH curricula in medical schools, potentially enhancing students’ preparedness for future roles in healthcare and research.
Contribution: This study provides evidence from medical students’ perspectives to inform curriculum renewal in public health education, underscoring the need for earlier exposure, more engaging pedagogy, and integrated research training.