Publications

Background This study examines the impact of program accreditation on education quality and career outcomes among students and graduates of health-related disciplines in Lebanon. In the absence of a national accrediting body, many universities seek international accreditation. Additionally, the study validates four scales measuring factors influencing university choice and perceptions of accreditation. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between September and December 2023, enrolling 642 participants, including students and graduates from Lebanese health-related programs. Four validated scales included: Reasons for Choosing University Program (RCUP, 14 items), Perception of University Program Accreditation (PUPA, 12 items), Perceived Impact on Education Quality (PI-AQE, 27 items), and Perceived Impact on Career Outcomes (PI-ACO, 9 items). Principal component analysis with Promax rotation assessed construct validity. Bivariate analyses (t-tests and ANOVA) examined relationships between scales and participant characteristics. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) adjusted for sociodemographic and university-related factors, while multiple regression explored predictors of time to employment for graduates. , Results Students from three universities reported significantly lower RCUP scores, indicating weaker motivations for their program choice. Clear communication of accreditation status correlated positively with RCUP (β = 1.097, p = 0.004). Pharmacy students scored higher on RCUP (β = 2.412, p = 0.002). Higher income levels (β = 1.829, p = 0.020) and awareness of accreditation (β = 2.348, p = 0.004) were linked to more favorable PUPA scores. Females (β = 4.981, p = 0.002) and high-income individuals (β = 3.777, p = 0.040) anticipated a stronger impact on PI-AQE. Graduates, particularly those with a PhD (β = 4.755, p = 0.042) or a Bachelor’s degree (β = 2.557, p = 0.003), expressed more positive PI-ACO perceptions. Conversely, uncertainty about accreditation was associated with lower PI-ACO scores (β = -3.019, p = 0.004). Notably, university accreditation status (β = -0.355, p = 0.011) and longer professional experience (β = -0.274, p = 0.010) were significantly linked to a shorter time to employment.