Self-determined motivation and associated factors among health professions students in distance learning: a cross-sectional study in Morocco

PURPOSE: Learning motivation is an important factor in the teaching learning process in a digital environment. This study aims to examine self-determined motivation levels and associated factors among health professions students in distance learning activities. METHODS: A cross-sectional, analytical, quantitative, multicenter study was conducted among health professions students from February 15, 2022, to July 31, 2022. Students’ self-determined motivation was assessed using a self-administered instrument. It consisted of 16 items categorized into four dimensions: intrinsic motivation, external regulation, identified regulation, and amotivation. It was based on 7-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). Student engagement was examined using 15 items classified into the following subscales: behavioral, emotional, and cognitive engagement. A correlation between student motivation and engagement was performed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with students’ self-determined motivation in distance learning activities. RESULTS: Of 1,121 students invited to the study, 1,061 valid questionnaires were received, giving a response rate of 94.6%; 595 participants (56.1%) were self-determined in distance pedagogical activities. Multiple regression analysis showed that ethnicity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.08–0.73; p=0.012), educational level (aOR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.16–2.34; p=0.005), distance learning environment (aOR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.19–2.29; p=0.003), and student engagement: (aOR, 2.9; 95% CI, 2.21–3.80; p<0.001) were the significant factors associated with students’ self-determined motivation in distance learning. CONCLUSION: This study predicted some factors influencing students’ self-determined motivation. Health professions teachers need to be encouraged to adopt effective pedagogical practices in order to maintain and develop student motivation.