MỐI LIÊN QUAN GIỮA ĐỘNG LỰC HỌC Y VÀ SỰ THÍCH NGHI MÔI TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC CỦA SINH VIÊN Y KHOA NĂM THỨ NHẤT TẠI TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC Y DƯỢC CẦN THƠ

Abstract

Background: First-year medical students often experience difficulties when transitioning from high school to university, particularly in the context of an intensive competency-oriented medical curriculum. Objectives: To analyze the association between medical motivation and adaptation among first-year medical students at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study with analytical components was conducted among 790 first-year full-time medical students at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy from April 2025 to January 2026. Data were collected using a questionnaire assessing medical learning motivation and the College Adjustment Test (CAT). Linear regression analysis was applied to determine the associations. Results: The mean adaptation score of students was 71.2±14.3. In the univariate analysis, intrinsic motivation factors, including “interest in medicine and desire for in-depth learning” (B = 3.93; p<0.001) and “passion for scientific research” (B = 3.19; p = 0.009) were positively associated with CAT scores. Among extrinsic motivation factors, “financial stability and high income” was significantly associated with CAT scores (B = 2.74; p = 0.008). Multivariable regression analysis showed that four intrinsic motivation factors: “interest in medicine,” “passion for research,” “desire to help patients,” and “interest in personal development”, together with “financial stability” were independently associated with higher adaptation scores. Conclusions: First-year medical students demonstrated a moderate level of adaptation. Adaptation was associated with several intrinsic motivation factors and financial stability; therefore, student support activities should foster internal career goals and reduce pragmatic pressures during the transition period.