Path Analysis on Factors Affecting the Decision to Choose School of Acupuncture

Abstract

Background: Many universities offer various interesting educational programs. This makes prospective students faced with the situation to choose the programs appropriately according to their interests and talents. Prospective students have different considerations and reasons in choosing and deciding on acupuncture education as a place to continue their education. The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors that influence student decision making in choosing acupuncture education in Indonesia. Subjects andMethod: This was a case control study conducted at Health Polytechnic Ministry of Health Surakarta, Health Polytechnic Soepraoen Malang, and Acupuncture Academy Surabaya, in November 2019. A sample of 300 college students was selected by stratified random sampling. The dependent variable was decision to choose school of acupuncture. The independent variables were aspiration, attitude, career guidance, academic program, tuition fees, college reputation, promotion, facilities, financial assistance, location, and parental support. The data were collected by questionnaire and analyzed by path analysis run on Stata 13. Results: College students who chose school of acupuncture was directly increased by good school reputation (b= 2.37; 95% CI= 0.77 to 3.97; p= 0.004), good career guidance (b= 2.96; 95% CI= 1.35 to 4.58; p<0.001), good education pro-grams (b= 2.46; 95% CI= 0.94 to 3.97; p= 0.001), strong parental support (b= 3.29; 95% CI= 1.75 to 4.83; p<0.001), good financial assistance (b= 3.12; 95% CI= 1.49 to 4.75; p<0.001), good promotion (b= 1.80; 95% CI= 0.34 to 3.26; p= 0.016), low tuition fees (b= 2.48; CI 95%= 0.99 to 3.97; p= 0.001), and supportive location (b= 2.26; 95% CI= 0.85 to 3.66; p= 0.002). College students who chose school of acupuncture was indirectly affected by aspiration, attitude, and facilities. Conclusion: College students who chose school of acupuncture is directly increased by good school reputation, good career guidance, good education programs, strong parental support, good financial assistance, good promotion, low tuition fees, and supportive location. College students who chose school of acupuncture is indirectly affected by aspiration, attitude, and facilities.