Abstract

Background: The decision to study a medical specialty involves considering several personal, family, and professional factors, and currently, in Chile, there needs to be more information about this. Objective: To determine the factors that explain the intention to study a medical specialty in medical students. Materials and Methods: A survey of medical students was conducted with 266 valid responses (58.7% response rate). The instrument measured the intention, attitude, subjective norms, and self-perception of abilities toward studying a medical specialty. This instrument was verified for its reliability and validity. We used the Structural Equations Model (SEM) through partial least squares (SEM-PLS) to estimate the whole model. Results: Cronbach's Alpha coefficient, composite reliability, and Dijkstra-Hernseler's indicator of each item showed adequate values. Regarding the structural model, the size effect test indicated that two of the three constructs are relevant to explaining the intention. Boots-trapping tests showed the predictive relevance of the model. The overall fit of the model was adequate. Conclusions: The factor that most influence students' intention to continue towards a medical specialty is personal attitude, followed by perceived control of behavior, and finally by expected future income.