Table 3 Results of multinomial logistic regression for factors affecting the choice among three clinical specialties (with “basic science’ as the base outcome)

Internal medicine

Male

1.406

0.451

1.060

0.288

Graduated more than a year ago

0.496**

0.159

-2.180

0.029

Self-perceived competency is important

2.308**

0.808

2.390

0.017

Ability to serve the community by specialty selection is important

2.924**

0.966

3.250

0.001

Family expectation on selection of specialty is important

2.009*

0.828

1.690

0.091

Income earning potential is important

1.164

0.368

0.480

0.631

Potential risk of violence against healthcare providers important

0.127**

0.058

-4.550

0.000

High level of performance in medical school

0.835

0.267

-0.560

0.572

Risk of malpractice and other legal issues important

0.753

0.308

-0.690

0.487

Constant term (baseline Relative Risk Ratio)

2.892**

1.373

2.240

0.025

Surgery

Male

2.886**

1.107

2.760

0.006

Graduated more than a year ago

0.377**

0.148

-2.480

0.013

Self-perceived competency is important

5.782**

2.879

3.520

0.000

Ability to serve the community by specialty selection is important

2.338**

0.919

2.160

0.031

Family expectation on selection of specialty is important

2.695**

1.297

2.060

0.039

Income earning potential is important

2.385**

0.920

2.250

0.024

Potential risk of violence against healthcare providers important

0.110**

0.056

-4.300

0.000

High level of performance in medical school

0.341**

0.148

-2.470

0.013

Risk of malpractice and other legal issues important

0.254**

0.115

-3.020

0.003

Constant term (baseline Relative Risk Ratio)

0.902

0.546

-0.170

0.865