Asia Pacific Family Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Evaluation of attitude to, knowledge of and barriers toward research among medical science students.","authors":"Mahtab Memarpour,&nbsp;Ali Poostforoush Fard,&nbsp;Roghieh Ghasemi","doi":"10.1186/s12930-015-0019-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12930-015-0019-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Plans to increase the role of students in health research require data on students' knowledge and views of research. The aim of the study was to evaluate these factors toward research among medical science students.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Undergraduate and postgraduate students of three medicine, dentistry and pharmacy schools in Shiraz were enrolled in a cross-sectional descriptive study using questionnaires to provide details of the parameters of attitude to, knowledge of and barriers toward research for each individual. All data was coded for each of the parameters. Data analyses were performed by one-way ANOVA/Tukey and Student's t, Pearson's correlation and Chi-squared tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 384 questionnaires were returned complete. Mean student scores for attitude, knowledge and barriers were 68.97 ± 12.56, 70.99 ± 20.97 and 75.27 ± 15.38, respectively. On the knowledge parameter, 77.8% of students' scores fell above the middle of the possible attainable score, but 90% of attitude scores came in at below the middle of the possible attainable score. Undergraduate students (70.27 ± 12.00) showed a more positive attitude to research than postgraduate students (65.57 ± 13.06) (p = 0.001). Female students (72.97 ± 20.54) had greater knowledge than males (67.09 ± 21.56) (p = 0.010). Many barriers were highlighted by students such as lack of funding support and lack of time for research.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Students showed favorable knowledge of research, but their attitude to the field was inadequate. More attention must be placed on these parameters in the curriculum to improve student interest in health research. The impact of barrier factors on research demonstrates that there is a need for greater availability of information in order to solve the problems and change strategies for research.</p>","PeriodicalId":39050,"journal":{"name":"Asia Pacific Family Medicine","volume":"14 1","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1186/s12930-015-0019-2","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"33399714","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Perception of hypertension management by patients and doctors in Asia: potential to improve blood pressure control.","authors":"Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman,&nbsp;Ji-Guang Wang,&nbsp;Gary Mak Yiu Kwong,&nbsp;Dante D Morales,&nbsp;Piyamitr Sritara,&nbsp;Renan Sukmawan","doi":"10.1186/s12930-015-0018-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12930-015-0018-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hypertension is one of the world's most common health conditions and is a leading risk factor for mortality. Although blood pressure can be modified, there is a large proportion of patients whose blood pressure remains uncontrolled. The aim of this study, termed Edvantage 360°, was to gain a deeper understanding of hypertension management in Asia from the perspective of patients and doctors, and to propose strategies to improve blood pressure control.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Conducted in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand, Edvantage 360° was a mixed-methods observational study that used both qualitative and quantitative elements: qualitative interviews and focus groups with patients (N = 110), quantitative interviews with patients (N = 709), and qualitative interviews with doctors (N = 85).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This study found that, although there is good understanding of the causes and consequences of hypertension among Asian patients, there is a lack of urgency to control blood pressure. Doctors and patients have different expectations of each other and a divergent view on what constitutes successful hypertension management. We also identified a fundamental gap between the beliefs of doctors and patients as to who should be most responsible for the patients' hypertension management. In addition, because patients find it difficult to comply with lifestyle modifications (often because of a decreased understanding of the changes required), adherence to medication regimens may be less of a limiting factor than doctors believe.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Doctors may provide better care by aligning with their patients on a common understanding of successful hypertension management. Doctors may also find it helpful to provide a more personalized explanation of any needed lifestyle modifications. The willingness of the doctor to adjust their patient interaction style to form a 'doctor-patient team' is important. In addition, we recommend that doctors should not attribute ineffectiveness of the treatment plan to patient non-adherence to medications, but rather adjust the medication regimen as needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":39050,"journal":{"name":"Asia Pacific Family Medicine","volume":"14 1","pages":"2"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2015-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1186/s12930-015-0018-3","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"33418841","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A descriptive study of knowledge, beliefs and practices regarding osteoporosis among female medical school entrants in Sri Lanka.","authors":"Risni Erandie Ediriweera de Silva,&nbsp;Muhamed Ruvaiz Haniffa,&nbsp;Kavinda Dimuthu Kumara Gunathillaka,&nbsp;Inoshi Atukorala,&nbsp;Endahandige Deepthi Prasadth Samantha Fernando,&nbsp;Wagawatta Liyanage Sugandhika Padmini Perera","doi":"10.1186/s12930-014-0015-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12930-014-0015-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Osteoporosis is a significant problem in rapidly ageing populations in Asian regions. It causes a significant personal and societal impact and increases the burden on health care services.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Aim of this study is to determine the knowledge, beliefs and practices regarding osteoporosis among young females entering medical schools in Sri Lanka.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This is a descriptive cross sectional study conducted amongst 186 female medical school entrants of the Faculties of Medicine, Universities of Colombo and Kelaniya from September to December 2010. A self administered questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, beliefs and practices on osteoporosis, including a food frequency chart to assess the calcium intake.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age was 20.7 +/- 2.1 years. Majority of the participants (51.6%, n = 96) had an average score (40-60) on the knowledge test, while 40.8% (n = 76) had a poor score (<40). However, in depth knowledge on risk factors, and protective factors was lacking. Perceived susceptibility for osteoporosis was low with only 13.9% (n = 26) of women agreeing that their chances of getting osteoporosis are high. The mean calcium intake was 528 mg/day and only 18.8% (n = 35) of the participants achieved the Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) for Calcium. Exercise was grossly inadequate in the majority and only 13.6%( n = 23) engaged in the recommended exercises. Only 3.8% (n =7) of the participants currently engaged in specific behaviours to improve bone health while 10.8% (n = 20) had thought of routinely engaging in such behaviours.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Although majority of participants had a modest level of knowledge on osteoporosis, there were gaps in their knowledge in relation to risk factors, protective factors and on the insidious nature of osteoporosis. Perceived susceptibility for osteoporosis was low. Practices towards preventing Osteoporosis were inadequate.</p>","PeriodicalId":39050,"journal":{"name":"Asia Pacific Family Medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"15"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1186/s12930-014-0015-y","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"32940813","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Developing a primary care research agenda through collaborative efforts - a proposed \"6E\" model.","authors":"Ngiap Chuan Tan,&nbsp;Chirk Jenn Ng,&nbsp;Mitchell Rosemary,&nbsp;Khan Wahid,&nbsp;Lee Gan Goh","doi":"10.1186/s12930-014-0017-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12930-014-0017-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Primary care research is at a crossroad in South Pacific. A steering committee comprising a member of WONCA Asia Pacific Regional (APR) council and the President of Fiji College of General Practitioners garnered sponsorship from Fiji Ministry of Health, WONCA APR and pharmaceutical agencies to organize the event in October 2013. This paper describes the processes needed to set up a national primary research agenda through the collaborative efforts of local stakeholders and external facilitators using a test case in South Pacific.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The setting was a 2-day primary care research workshop in Fiji. The steering committee invited a team of three external facilitators from the Asia-Pacific region to organize and operationalize the workshop. The eventual participants were 3 external facilitators, 6 local facilitators, and 29 local primary care physicians, academics, and local medical leaders from Fiji and South Pacific Islands. Pre-workshop and main workshop programs were drawn up by the external facilitators, using participants' input of research topics relating to their local clinical issues of interest. Course notes were prepared and distributed before the workshop. In the workshop, proposed research topics were shortlisted by group discussion and consensus. Study designs were proposed, scrutinized, and adopted for further research development.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The facilitators reviewed the processes in setting the research agenda after the workshop and conceived the proposed 6E model. These processes can be grouped for easy reference, comprising the pre-workshop stages of \"entreat\", \"enlist\", \"engage\", and the workshop stages of \"educe\", \"empower\", and \"encapsulate\".</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The 6E model to establish a research agenda is conceptually logical. Its feasibility can be further tested in its application in other situation where research agenda setting is the critical step to improve the quality of primary care.</p>","PeriodicalId":39050,"journal":{"name":"Asia Pacific Family Medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"17"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1186/s12930-014-0017-9","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"32990016","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Indonesian primary care physicians profile in 2011: Did practicing hours and conversion program for family medicine differentiate their services and continuing medical education activities?","authors":"Indah S Widyahening,&nbsp;Daniel M Thuraiappah,&nbsp;Tin Myo Han,&nbsp;Dhanasari Vidiawati","doi":"10.1186/s12930-014-0016-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12930-014-0016-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In Indonesia, Family Medicine as a discipline is being developed through short courses since 12 years ago. A conversion program to become Family Physicians has been introduced recently. Among the 70,000 primary care physicians there are variety of practitioners, from new interns who start general practice to senior general practitioners. This study aims to describe the current Indonesian Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) profile which includes services provided and facilities as well as comparing the profile according to participation in the conversion program and practice hours.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A survey was carried out by using pre-tested, semi-structured and self-administered questionnaire among Indonesian primary care physicians (PCPs) who attended ASEAN Regional Primary Care Conference in Jakarta, November 2011. The survey elicited information regarding their practice environment, services provided, equipment, investigations provided, procedures, facilities and continuing medical education (CME) activities.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 240 PCPs participated, 65.4% (157/240) of them were family physicians and 67.1% (161/240) of them were full time practitioners (practice > 30 hours per week). Services like body mass index (BMI) measurement, substance abuse program, respiratory function test, mental health assessment, and cardiovascular assessment were provided by less than 50% of the PCPs as well as some investigations like electrocardiograph (ECG), proctoscopy, ultrasound, visual examination and funduscopy. Family Physicians significantly provided more house call services (77% vs 63%; p = 0.01), than those who are not. No other significant difference was found in the practice of the family physicians compare to non-family physicians.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The Indonesian PCPs were lacking in the provision of some particular medical procedures, management and follows up of acute and chronic conditions, and preventive medicine and health education. Improvement of primary health care has been seen globally as necessary effort in health systems reform and this information could provide guidance toward the efforts to improve the quality of primary care physicians in Indonesia.</p>","PeriodicalId":39050,"journal":{"name":"Asia Pacific Family Medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"16"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1186/s12930-014-0016-x","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"32984638","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A cross-sectional study of the differences in diabetes knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and self-care practices as related to assessment of chronic illness care among people with diabetes consulting in a family physician-led hospital-based first line health service and local government health unit-based health centers in the Philippines.","authors":"Grace Marie V Ku,&nbsp;Guy Kegels","doi":"10.1186/s12930-014-0014-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12930-014-0014-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in diabetes knowledge, attitudes and perceptions (KAP), self-care practices as related to assessment of chronic illness care among people with diabetes consulting in a family physician-led tertiary hospital-based out-patient clinic versus local government health unit-based health centers in the Philippines.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>People with diabetes consulting in the said primary care services were interviewed making use of questionnaires adapted from previously tested and validated KAP questionnaires and the patients' assessment of chronic illness care (PACIC) questionnaire. Adherence to medications, diabetes diet, and exercise and the number of diabetes consultations were asked. Analysis of variance was used to determine differences in KAP, self-care practices, and PACIC and regression analysis was used to determine any associations of the abovementioned variables to the PACIC ratings.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 549 respondents were included in the study. Differences in knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, PACIC, utilization of health services, and adherence to medications and exercise were all statistically significant. Ratings for diabetes knowledge, positive attitudes, and the perceptions of support attitudes and the abilities to perform self care, and the proportions of those properly utilizing health services and adhering to medications and exercise were higher while ratings for negative attitudes, perceived support needs, perceived support received and PACIC were lower among those consulting in the family physician-led health service.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Combining family medicine-based approaches with culturally competent diabetes care may improve knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and self-care practices of and collaborative care with people with diabetes.</p>","PeriodicalId":39050,"journal":{"name":"Asia Pacific Family Medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"14"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1186/s12930-014-0014-z","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"32940812","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Traditional Birth Attendance (TBA) in a health system: what are the roles, benefits and challenges: A case study of incorporated TBA in Timor-Leste.","authors":"Decio Ribeiro Sarmento","doi":"10.1186/s12930-014-0012-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12930-014-0012-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>One current strategy to overcome the issue of shortage of qualified health workers has focused on the use of community health workers in the developing countries to deliver health care services specifically to the most vulnerable communities in the rural areas. Timor-Leste is the one of the world's newest developing countries that has incorporated the traditional birth attendance in its health system through a family health promoter initiative in response to reproductive and child health, hence to improve primary health care delivery and increase number of healthcare workforce.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study utilized a non-systematic review of the literature using key words such as community health workers, traditional birth attendants, reproductive health, child health and health outcomes. A case study from Timor-Leste was also used.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Traditional birth attendants have performed wide variety of tasks including outreach and case finding, health and patient education, referrals, home visits and care management. Evidence indicated that there were, to varying degrees, positive associations between traditional birth attendance training and maternity care. Traditional birth attendance training was found to be associated with significant increases in attributes such as knowledge, attitude, behavior, advice for antenatal care, and pregnancy outcomes. However, some challenges faced by traditional birth attendants' role in encouraging women to go to health center for preventive services would be the compliance and refusal of the referral. The implementation case study from Timor-Leste shows that integrating traditional birth attendance into a national healthcare system through Family Health Promoter program has been programmatic effective. It is recommended that the implementation should consider regular communication between health staff and community leaders in recruiting members of family health promoters, and the use of supportive supervision tools to identify weaknesses in the management of this initiative.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In Timor-Leste, incorporating traditional birth attendance through family health promoter program has played crucial roles in delivering and increasing access to reproductive health services by women in rural communities of the nation. Whilst it requires a long-term commitment and good partnership, the current reduction in maternal mortality ratio in Timor-Leste is encouraging and serves to illustrate how this initiative aims to improve primary health care delivery and increase number of healthcare workforce.</p>","PeriodicalId":39050,"journal":{"name":"Asia Pacific Family Medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"12"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1186/s12930-014-0012-1","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"32875729","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A community-based intervention in middle schools to improve HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening in Japan.","authors":"Tomoko Ito,&nbsp;Remi Takenoshita,&nbsp;Keiichiro Narumoto,&nbsp;Melissa Plegue,&nbsp;Ananda Sen,&nbsp;Benjamin Franklin Crabtree,&nbsp;Michael Derwin Fetters","doi":"10.1186/s12930-014-0013-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12930-014-0013-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>Japan has low rates of cervical cancer screening and Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination. This research examines the effectiveness of a family medicine resident-led, intervention in increasing knowledge about HPV and cervical cancer in middle school-girls and increasing knowledge and intention to have cervical cancer screening in their mothers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We utilized a pre-test/post-test intervention design in three rural middle schools with 7(th) grade middle school-girls and their mothers. A school-based activity educated girls about HPV and cervical cancer. A home-based activity utilized a homework assignment for girls and their mothers. Pre/post intervention surveys were completed by the girls and their mothers. Major outcomes included changes in knowledge among girls and mothers and barriers to be screened for cervical cancer among mothers.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sixty-five students and sixty-three mothers completed the study. Two out five mothers were not in compliance with current screening recommendations. Identified barriers included: embarrassment (79%), poor access (56%), fear of having cancer (52%), and cervical cancer screening being an unknown procedure (46%). Forty-four percent of mothers deemed their daughters to be at risk for cervical cancer. Trusted sources of information included: doctors (97%), newspapers/television (89%), government (79%), the Internet (78%), and friends (62%). Student knowledge scores (7-point scale) improved significantly from pre- to post-intervention (4.8 vs. 5.9, p < 0.001). Knowledge scores (14-point scale) among mothers also significantly improved (11.7 vs. 12.0, p = 0.024).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These data suggest a community-based intervention on a sensitive topic by family medicine residents can be implemented in middle schools, can improve school-girls' knowledge about HPV and cervical cancer, and can reach their mothers. Additional research could examine whether those intending to be screened receive screening and how to reach women who still resist screening.</p>","PeriodicalId":39050,"journal":{"name":"Asia Pacific Family Medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"13"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-11-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1186/s12930-014-0013-0","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"32845501","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Subjects with colour vision deficiency in the community: what do primary care physicians need to know?","authors":"Xin Bei V Chan, S. Goh, N. Tan","doi":"10.1186/S12930-014-0010-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/S12930-014-0010-3","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":39050,"journal":{"name":"Asia Pacific Family Medicine","volume":"13 1","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1186/S12930-014-0010-3","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"66316605","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors associated to the career choice of family medicine among Japanese physicians: the dawn of a new era.","authors":"Kenya Ie, Masao Tahara, Akiko Murata, Manabu Komiyama, Hirotaka Onishi","doi":"10.1186/s12930-014-0011-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12930-014-0011-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite recent developments in post-graduate family medicine training in Japan, the numbers of junior doctors entering family medicine residencies are still limited. The objective of this qualitative study was to investigate the possible factors associated to the career choice of family medicine, especially in the context of the newly established family medicine programs in Japan.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>From December 2010 to January 2011, we distributed a semi-structured questionnaire about career choice to 58 physician members of the Japan Primary Care Association, and 41 of them responded. Four researchers used the Modified Grounded Theory Approach (Kinoshita, 2003) for three-stage conceptualization.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We extracted a conceptual model of the choice of newly established family medicine as a career in Japan, consisting of six categories and 77 subordinate concepts from 330 variations. The subcategories of personal background affecting the family-medicine career choice were characteristics (\"self-reliance,\" \"pioneering spirit\"), career direction (\"community/rural-orientedness,\" \"multifaceted orientation\") and experience (e.g., \"discomfort with fragmented care\"). We divided the influencing factors that were identified for career choice into supporters (e.g., \"role model\"), conflict of career choice (e.g., \"anxiety about diverse/broad practice\"), and the dawn of a new era in family medicine in Japan (e.g., \"lack of social recognition,\" \"concern about livelihood,\" and \"too few role models\").</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Although the dawn of a new era seemed a rather negative influencer, it was unique to our study that the dawn itself could attract those with a \"pioneering spirit\" and an \"attitude of self-training.\" Unlike previous studies, the positive factors such as lifestyle and the short residency program were not shown to be part of family medicine's attractiveness. In contrast, \"concern about livelihood\" was specific among our respondents and was related to career choice in the dawn period. \"Community-orientedness\" and \"multifaceted orientation\" (which have aspects in common with previous studies' findings) would appear to be universal regardless of cultural and medical system differences. In our study, these universal factors were also found to be part of the attractiveness of family medicine from the practitioners' viewpoints, and these factors may become great influencers for family medicine candidates.</p>","PeriodicalId":39050,"journal":{"name":"Asia Pacific Family Medicine","volume":"13 ","pages":"11"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5377022/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"34899062","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}