Studienabbruchstendenzen bei gesundheitsbezogenen und (human)medizinischen Studienrichtungen in Österreich

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Healthcare suffers from understaffing; thus, attracting personnel and ensuring a high number of graduates is imperative. Therefore, intention to quit must be studied and lowered not only for those already working, but also for students. This paper investigates current intentions to quit health-related and medical studies in Austria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Students enrolled in a (human) health-related studies including medicine were investigated from December 2021 to June 2022 regarding intention to quit their studies. In total, 756 participated in a nation-wide anonymous online survey in Austria. RESULTS: In all, 11.7% have increased intentions to quit, of which a smaller number comprises medical students. After two steps, a logistic regression regarding higher intentions to quit shows significances concerning satisfaction with the program, the feeling of being capable to cope with the daily demands of the studies, feeling financially secure, and headache. CONCLUSION: The pandemic’s effects were not indicative of intention to quit for the population studied, but dissatisfaction, not feeling up to the daily study demands, and financial issues. Thus, informing (potential) students better about the requirements and focusing on program quality are crucial. Improving intention to continue studying seems to depend on ensuring satisfaction with the study program.