Family influence and gender role perceptions in career choice among Turkish midwifery students: A cross-sectional study

Background: Career choice is a critical decision that influences an individual's future and social role. In this process, family factors may be associated with career choice by shaping perceptions of traditional gender roles, particularly in sociocultural contexts where traditional values coexist with modern social structures, including Türkiye. This study aimed to evaluate family influence and gender roles in the career choices of midwifery students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between November ۲۰۲۳ and February ۲۰۲۴ with ۳۳۷ midwifery students at a state university in Samsun, Türkiye, using a census (Total population) sampling approach. Research data were collected using the "Student Information Form", "Gender Roles in Career Choice Scale (GRCCS)", and "Family Influence on Career Choice Scale (FICCS)." Data were analyzed using independent-samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc comparisons, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression in SPSS v.۲۵. Statistical significance was set at p < ۰.۰۵. Results: The mean total GRCCS score of the students was ۴۴.۵۳±۶.۶۹ (Obtained score range: ۲۱-۸۵), while the mean total FICCS score was ۶۷.۸۲±۸.۱۵ (Obtained score range: ۴۳-۱۰۵). A weak but statistically significant positive correlation was found between the students' GRCCS and FICCS total scores (r = ۰.۲۶۵, p < ۰.۰۰۱), and between GRCCS scores and the FICCS sub-dimensions of Information Support (r = ۰.۱۲۵, p = ۰.۰۲۱), Financial Support (r = ۰.۲۳۴, p < ۰.۰۰۱), Family Expectations (r = ۰.۱۴۳, p = ۰.۰۰۹), and Values and Beliefs (r = ۰.۱۶۴, p = ۰.۰۰۲). In the regression analyses, career counselling (B = ۲.۷۷, ۹۵% CI: ۰.۷۰ to ۴.۸۴), family relationship quality (B = ۱.۸۳, ۹۵% CI: ۰.۷۰ to ۲.۹۶), and year of study (B = -۱.۳۱, ۹۵% CI: -۲.۲۶ to -۰.۳۶) were independently associated with FICCS scores, while desiring midwifery as a profession (B = ۱.۶۲, ۹۵% CI: ۰.۱۸ to ۳.۰۵) and income level (B = -۲.۲۹, ۹۵% CI: -۳.۶۰ to -۰.۹۸) were associated with GRCCS scores. Conclusion: The findings suggest that family influence and gender-role perceptions may be related to career-choice attitudes among midwifery students. Therefore, career guidance practices should consider family expectations and gender-based role perceptions. Educational programs that promote independent decision-making and gender awareness may support students in making informed career decisions.

کلیدواژه ها:

Career Choice ، Family ، Gender Role ، Midwifery ، Students