FACTORS AFFECTING THE DECISION TO VOLUNTEER OF STUDENTS AT DA NANG UNIVERISTY OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY AND PHARMACY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Objective: To identify factors related to students’ decision to volunteer the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1327 healthcare students at Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy from December 2021 to March 2022. Data were collected online using Google Form via a questionnaire developed by the researchers based on literature review. Descriptive statistics and T-test/Mann-Whitney U-test were calculated with significance level as 0.05. Results: Of the respondents, 24.6% have participated in volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eight factors were statistically significantly associated with the decision to volunteer the pandemic, including learning opportunity, increasing self-confidence, taking pride in contributing, having a desire to help healthcare workers, having the opportunity to work with many people, availability of time, encouragement from others, and being commended. Conclusion: Students’ decision to volunteer during the COVID-19 pandemic was influenced by several factors. The volunteering programs should consider these factors to foster the participation of healthcare students to confront the pandemic.