• Tatjana Gazibara and Magdalena Pesakovic.
• Bratisl Med J. 2023 Jan 1; 124 (5): 387393387-393.

ObjectiveTo examine the attitude and willingness of medical students in Serbia to volunteer in COVID-19 hospitals.MethodsThis study was conducted in late 2021 among 326 students in latter 3 study years. Data were collected using an anonymous online questionnaire focusing on demographic characteristics, epidemiology-related factors surrounding participants, self-assessed personality traits and a validated scale about attitudes toward volunteering.ResultsA total of 58.1 % of medical students were willing to volunteer in COVID-19 hospitals. Having higher grades, having parents with lower education level and having volunteered previously were characteristics associated with a stronger positive attitude toward volunteering. Having higher grades, having parents with lower education level, living with people aged > 65 years and having had COVID-19 infection was associated with the willingness to volunteer. The adjusted multivariate regression model suggested that higher levels of self-perceived consciousness, extraversion and openness to experience were independently associated with stronger positive attitudes toward volunteering. A similar model showed that openness to experience remained independently associated with the willingness to volunteer in COVID-19 hospitals.ConclusionA number of individual factors may be involved in the decision to volunteer in COVID-19 hospitals. Promotion of volunteering in medical schools could be influential for future health emergencies (Tab. 6, Ref. 32). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: COVID-19, students, volunteering, hospital.

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