ABSTRACT
Introduction : We are moving towards a technically advanced Medical Education. However, effectiveness of online Teaching, Learning (T/L) remained unknown until COVID-19 pandemic.Aim : This study was planned to assess the perception of e-educators towards online T/L, the challenges and possible solutions during pandemic. Methodology : A mixed method cross-sectional study was conducted among 126 medical educators through online google survey from July to September, 2020 in a Tertiary Heath Care Institute & 2 neighbouring medical college. Result : Non response rate was 32%, 72.2% were males, 63.9% were between 31 to 50 years of age, 58% were having 10 or more years teaching experience. 36.2% were from basic sciences, 69.5% were holding higher academic post. 61% preferred combination of face to face and e-learning Although online classes were helpful in terms of 63.8% convenience, (54%) flexibility, 77.5% felt difficulties teaching and assessing skills domain. The major challenges encountered were technical glitches, no active participation and suggested solutions were technical assistance, formative assessments and use of new T/L, assessment tools. Conclusion : Although the change was negatively perceived, it’s inevitable. Training of faculties, sensitization of students and conducive environment is needed to combat the challenges, to improve the e-education system in health profession.
ABSTRACT
Background: Dysmenorrhoeais a debilitating menstrual problem and may be related to body mass index (BMI). This study was done to explore the various gynecological problems in girls in their late adolescence that is pursuing professional courses in medicine, dental and nursing.Methods: This was a prospective, questionnaire based study conducted between January and February 2019 in a medical college in Visakhapatnam, India. The survey included female undergraduate students of the Medical, Dental and Nursing colleges to find out their menstrual history and reproductive awareness with the help of a self-structured questionnaire. Participants were categorized based on BMI. Data was reported as number and percentage.Results: Of the 190 participants, 154 participants (age range; 16-19 years) were included in the study. Fifty percent of the total participants reported to have dysmenorrhoea, of which 21% reported severe dysmenorrhoea. A very high % of participants in the obese category (77.8%) reported severe dysmenorrhoea, followed by 27.3% in the underweight category. A U-shaped relationship between percentage of participants with severe dysmenorrhoea and increasing BMI was observed. A fair percentage of obese participants reported for infrequent periods beyond 35-45 days and androgenic features like excess hair, acne and dark pigmentation around neck, suggestive of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The participants possessed a high level of awareness and reported in the range of 87.1 to 96.8% related to reproductive health.Conclusions: Despite high level of awareness among the participants we observed a considerably high prevalence of dysmenorrhoea which was even more prevalent, in the obese category.