Assessment of Participation of First Year Students of ERCIYES University Medical Faculty to Social Activities

Aim: Social activities are of great importance in young people’s academic achievements and in relation with the environment. The importance of social activities for physicians who will communicate with the patient personally can’t be denied. In this study, participation of first year medical students in social activities was evaluated. Material method: This is a cross-sectional survey conducted in May 2016. All first year students were included. A structured questionnaire was used in the study. The purpose of the questionnaire was explained, their consent was taken and the questionnaires were distributed and collected. Chi-square was used for statistical analysis. In the study p <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Students stated that they allocate the 40% of their money to social activities. Kayseri is rated as very good/good in terms of social possibilities by 16.0%, rated as moderate by 47.6% and rated as bad/very bad by 36.4% of the students. 52.4% of the students stated that being in medical faculty did not affect their participation in social activities. 72.9% of the students said that their daily average leisure time was more than two hours. The most common social activity among students was spending time with their friends (coffee shop, tea garden etc.). Conclusion: A large part of our students are poorly engaged in purposeful and active social activities