Experiences and Motivations Regarding The Roles in the Medical Student's Association at an Undergraduate Medical School in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Study

Objectives: This qualitative study aimed to explore student perspectives toward extracurricular activities and motivating and/or demotivating factors of students for involvement with medical student association (MSA) at Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: Qualitative analysis of focus group interviews was employed. Inclusion criteria required participants to be College of Medicine students in years 1-5 of undergraduate study and have been a member of the MSA for at least a year or more. A total of four focus group interviews were conducted with four to six participants in each interview. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, following which an inductive thematic framework analysis was employed for data analyses. Similar ideas and concepts were grouped using codes, and themes were developed.

Results: The first theme identified was motivating factors of students for joining the MSA, which included improvement of self-esteem and résumé, to avoid burnout, social experiences, to overcome shyness, to adjust to the university environment, and to increase research opportunities. The second theme revealed were the skills gained including problem-solving, conflict resolution and communication skills, organizational planning and management skills, and peer mentorship. The third theme identified were the various demerits of being involved with the MSA, including a lack of commitment from other students, lack of recognition, and for some, adverse effects on academic activities.

Conclusion: We conclude that the MSA appears to provide a positive opportunity to medical students to be part of various activities, creating a conducive environment for supporting overall well-being and potentially supporting adjusting to the university environment and facilitating the acquisition of various skills.