ArticleCureus2026
Assessing the Willingness to Work in Rural Areas and Associated Factors Among Medical Students at King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Article in Cureus, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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9 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundMaldistribution of the health workforce remains a major barrier to equitable healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. Medical students represent the future physician workforce, and their career intentions are critical for addressing rural healthcare gaps.
objectiveTo assess the willingness of medical students and interns at King Saud University (KSU) to work in rural areas and to identify factors associated with this willingness.
methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students and interns at KSU using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, educational background, rural exposure, career motivations, and willingness to work in rural areas. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses to identify factors associated with willingness to work in rural settings.
resultsA total of 372 students participated. Only 42 (11.3%) expressed a positive intention to work in rural areas, while 302 (81.2%) preferred urban practice. The most significant deterrents to rural practice were poor clinical infrastructure (44, 14.3%), lack of training opportunities (41, 13.4%), limited career progression (32, 10.4%), and insufficient financial incentives (27, 8.7%). The most influential incentives included a base salary increase of 30% or more (223, 59.9%), a supportive workplace and management (172, 46.2%), and improved infrastructure and medical supplies (171, 46.0%). Multivariable logistic regression showed that senior academic year was negatively associated with willingness, while older age (25-34 years) and prior rural residential experience were positive predictors.
conclusionMedical students at KSU demonstrate very low willingness to work in rural areas. Addressing professional, infrastructural, and financial barriers, along with early rural exposure and decentralized training opportunities, may help improve rural workforce distribution in Saudi Arabia.
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