Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Center for Health Related Social and Behavioral Sciences Research, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran

2 Department of Epidemiology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

3 Department of Analytical Chemistry, Damghan University, Damghan,Iran

4 Health Research Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The ultimate goal of education at all levels is the ability to generate and foster
students’ creativity. This study aimed at determining and comparing creativity and its influencing
factors among medical students.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this cross‑sectional study conducted in 2019, 720 medical students
in Shahroud public and private universities were selected and studied through stratified cluster
random sampling. Data were collected using the Guilford Creativity Questionnaire. The data were
analyzed using Chi‑square, Pearson correlation coefficient, t‑test, and multiple logistic regression
with a significance level of 0.05.
RESULTS: The mean creativity score of the students was 131.4 ± 13.8. The mean creativity scores on
the fluency, elaboration, originality, and flexibility dimensions were 49.2 ± 5.3, 22.1 ± 3.4, 34.8 ± 4.7,
and 25.4 ± 3.5, respectively. In terms of creativity levels, 75.2% of the students (n = 542) had
moderate creativity and 23.8% (n = 171) had high creativity. A significant relationship was observed
between creativity and educational level (P = 0.006). Multiple logistic regression results showed that
educational level with an odds ratio of 0.59 was associated with a decreased chance of creativity.
CONCLUSION: Most of the students had moderate creativity. Moreover, among the factors examined
in this study, variables other than the field of the study and educational level had no significant effect
on students’ creativity. Therefore, using collaborative and cooperative learning and problem‑based
learning strategies, teachers’ critical thinking styles, establishing teamwork groups, concept mapping,
and using innovative and creative teaching methods can help to enhance students’ creativity.

Keywords

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