Global health experience and interest: Results from the AAP periodic survey

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Interest and participation in global health (GH) experiences have increased over the past 30 years in both medical schools and residencies, but little is known at the level of practicing pediatricians. METHODS: Data were compared from the American Academy of Pediatrics Periodic Surveys conducted in 1989 and 2017. The surveys had a response rate of 70.8% in 1989 and 46.7% in 2017. There were 638 and 668 postresidency pediatricians in the 1989 and 2017 surveys, respectively. Descriptive analyses were performed to look at changes in experience and interest in GH. A multivariable logistic regression was conducted specifically looking at characteristics associated with interest in participating in GH experiences in the next 3 years. RESULTS: Pediatrician participation in GH experiences increased from 2.2% in 1989 to 5.1% in 2017, with statistically significant increases in pediatricians $50 years of age. Interest in participating in future GH experiences increased from 25.2% in 1989 to 31.7% in 2017, with a particular preference for short-term clinical opportunities. In the multivariable logistic regression model, the year 2017 was associated with an increased interest in future GH experience, especially in medical school, hospital or clinic practice settings, as well as among subspecialists. CONCLUSIONS: Over the past 28 years, practicing pediatricians have increased their involvement in GH, and they are more interested in future GH experiences. The focus is on short-term opportunities. Our study reveals that practicing pediatricians mirror medical trainees in their growing interest and participation in GH.