The Role of Socioeconomic Factors in Medical Education: A Narrative Review Publisher



Hassanzadeh G ; Bagherifard A ; Einolahi B ; Kheradmand AA ; Yazdiamirkhiz SY
Source: Strides in Development of Medical Education Journal Published:2026

Abstract

Background: Socioeconomic factors pose serious obstacles against equity and inclusivity in medical education, affecting admissions, retention, and the future composition and diversity of the workforce in delivering health services. Objectives: Through the use of a narrative review, we aim to illustrate the impact of socioeconomic status on medical education and to outline strategies to alleviate these inequities to promote a more equitable and socially accountable medical workforce. Methods: International databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) and regional databases (SID, Magiran) were searched for literature published between the years 2000-2024 for this narrative review. The keywords used were medical education, socioeconomic factors, admissions, and equity. After application of the exclusion/inclusion criteria and screening against them, 31 studies were included for synthesis. Results: The findings reveal that admission processes tend to disfavor students from less privileged backgrounds since they usually present very high structural barriers for disadvantaged students. Even after being admitted, they still continue traversing a very difficult academic mile that is exacerbated by financial pressures and experiences of psycho-social alienation. While remedial measures such as scholarships, quotas, and holistic admissions are promising, their effectiveness is hampered by structural inequities, little specific intervention, and inadequate sustained monitoring. Thus, it may call for a paradigm shift into a systemic perspective to have educational objectives accommodated in the overall broader vision set for the health system. Conclusion: This analysis and proposed work may also be relevant and important for the realization of improved access, better quality in health care, and ultimately health equity. © 2026, Strides in Development of Medical Education is Published by Kerman University of Medical Science.