Table 3 Training Program-related Factors Affecting Trainees’ Decisions to have Children
Overall % | Male % | Female % | p-value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Perceived training program support of trainees having children | ||||
Extremely or somewhat supportive | 78 | 72.3 | 81.5 | NS |
Extremely or somewhat unsupportive | 9.8 | 14.8 | 6.6 | 0.023 |
Neither supportive nor unsupportive | 12.3 | 12.9 | 11.9 | NS |
Parental leave | ||||
Parental leave is not available to me (strongly agree or agree)* | 17.9 | 28.9 | 11.6 | < 0.0001 |
How long is maternity leave? | ||||
< 6 weeks | 5.3 | 4.1 | 6.3 | 0.003 |
6 weeks | 25.8 | 13.4 | 34.3 | < 0.0001 |
> 6 weeks | 17.7 | 11.6 | 21.5 | 0.009 |
Don’t know | 51.2 | 70.9 | 37.9 | < 0.0001 |
How long is paternity leave? | ||||
2 weeks or less | 35.6 | 37.8 | 34.0 | NS |
> 2 weeks | 4.2 | 5.2 | 3.5 | NS |
Don’t know | 60.2 | 57.0 | 62.5 | NS |
Do you feel this amount of leave is adequate? | ||||
Yes | 11.6 | 8.1 | 14.1 | NS |
No | 42.1 | 35.5 | 46.9 | 0.02 |
Don’t know | 44.7 | 55.7 | 37.9 | 0.0006 |
Work-week requirements for advancement | ||||
Does your program or certifying board mandate a minimum number of workweeks per year? | ||||
Yes | 42.1 | 48.3 | 38.3 | 0.04 |
No | 7.9 | 5.8 | 9.4 | NS |
Don’t know | 50 | 45.9 | 52.3 | NS |
Do these rules influence your decision to have children? | ||||
Yes | 43.3 | 33.7 | 51.5 | 0.016 |
No | 31.1 | 43.4 | 20.6 | 0.001 |
Don’t know | 16.1 | 10.8 | 20.6 | NS |
When is the optimal time to have a child? | ||||
Medical school | 10.6 | 9.2 | 11.6 | NS |
Junior residency years | 2.8 | 3.4 | 2.3 | NS |
Senior residency years | 16.1 | 14.4 | 17.4 | NS |
Research residency years | 28.7 | 29.3 | 28.6 | NS |
Fellowship | 19.8 | 18.4 | 20.8 | NS |
In practice, first 5 years | 32.2 | 36.2 | 29.7 | NS |
In practice, after 5 years | 9.7 | 9.2 | 10.0 | NS |
No optimal time | 48.5 | 40.8 | 53.3 | 0.013 |