Factors associated with student satisfaction in a chiropractic program at a South African university: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to identify factors associated with student satisfaction in a South African chiropractic program and to determine how these factors related to overall student satisfaction. Comparisons between the year of study and overall satisfaction were also investigated.

Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative study design was adopted. Data were collected via an online survey distributed to chiropractic students in undergraduate and postgraduate programs (n = 242). The adapted questionnaire rated satisfaction factors on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = completely dissatisfied to 5 = completely satisfied). Data analysis included frequency counts, descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, and reliability analyses, along with normality and comparison analyses. Regression analysis determined the relationship between overall satisfaction and the identified factors.

Results: A 50.83% response rate was achieved (n = 123). The exploratory factor analysis yielded 3 key factors: course, teaching and evaluation, and clinical training, as well as career guidance. Respondents expressed satisfaction with the course delivery and clinical training (median = 4.00) but were neutral regarding career guidance (median = 3.00). Course, Teaching and Evaluation Methods (P = .77), Clinical Training (P = .59), and Career Exploration After Graduation (P = .49) were statistically significant with General Satisfaction. All factors were positively associated with overall satisfaction, which was satisfactory (median = 4.00).

Conclusions: Overall, students' satisfaction with the chiropractic program was high across the course, teaching and evaluation methods, and clinical training. Improvements are required in the career guidance domain, and student satisfaction declined between the academic years.