Satisfaction with elective courses among undergraduate medical students at Al-Azhar and Jazan Universities

Elective courses give medical students opportunities to explore interests beyond core curricula and influence career decisions. The current study aimed to assess undergraduate medical students' satisfaction with these elective courses and gather their suggestions for improvement in curriculum design.

A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted using a validated online and self-administered questionnaire among undergraduate medical students at Al-Azhar University (Egypt) and Jazan University (Saudi Arabia). Satisfaction was measured on a 5-point Likert scale. Statistical analysis included t-tests and chi-square tests (SPSS v25), with p ≤ 0.05 considered significant.

Among 1,027 students (83.1% Egyptians), the overall satisfaction score was 31.9 ± 5.8. A total of 61.1% reported a positive experience. Satisfaction was significantly higher among Saudi students (mean = 35 ± 6.2) compared to Egyptian counterparts (mean = 31.3 ± 5.5; p = 0.001) with a medium to large effect size (Cohen's d = 0.63). Only (42.4%, 56.5%) felt they achieved course objectives, their expectations were met respectively and 33.2% indicated instructors required further training.

Students were moderately satisfied with elective courses, with notable differences across institutions. Curriculum reforms should consider student feedback, expand course options, and improve instructor preparedness.