Journal of Education and Health Promotion

The undergraduate medical student’s perception of professional mentorship: Results from a developing nation’s medical school

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

. Adeyi A. Adoga
. Daniel D. Kokong
. Nuhu K. Dakum 1
. Nuhu D. Ma’an 2
. Andrew A. Iduh 2
. Emoche T. Okwori 2
. John P. Yaro 2

1 Department of Surgery, Urology Unit, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Jos

2 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head‑and‑Neck Surgery, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: There are no documented formal mentoring programs for medical students in
Nigeria. This study aims to determine the perception of undergraduate medical students at the
University of Jos on professional mentorship, with a view to informing University authorities on
creating and developing a mentoring program.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional study conducted in December 2017 in which
self‑administered questionnaires were distributed among the sixth‑year medical students in a
University in North‑Central Nigeria, eliciting information regarding biodemographic data, knowledge
of and experiences with mentoring, desired benefits of mentoring, and the willingness to participate
in a mentoring relationship. Data collected was analyzed with EPI Info statistical software®
version 7.2.1 (EPI Info, Center for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia, 2017).
RESULTS: In a class of 166, the response rate was 83.5%. Mean age = 27.4 years; standard
deviation = ±2.6 with a male: female ratio of 1.9:1. Moderate knowledge of mentoring was reported
by 47 (44.3%). Attitude toward mentoring was very positive in 23.6%. One hundred and four (98.1%)
students agreed mentoring are effective in developing potential. Nearly 95.3% agreed a mentorship
program would benefit medical students with 70.8% expressing high willingness to participate. A weak
positive statistical correlation between the age of students and those who expressed willingness to
participate was recorded (r = 0.04; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.6–1.16; and P = 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Sixth‑year medical students of the University of Jos have a moderate knowledge
of and a good attitude toward mentorship. The implementation of a formal mentoring program for
medical students at the University of Jos is strongly recommended.

Keywords

Medical students
mentorship
Nigeria
perception
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Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 9, Issue 3
March 2019
Pages 1-5

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