Comparative study between academic performances of traditional versus competency-based medical education M.B.B.S. curriculum students in Pharmacology

Background: The new competency-based undergraduate curriculum (CBME) was implemented in India from the academic year 2019. However, there has been no clear-cut comparison on its effect on the academic performance of the students. Aim and Objective: This study aims to find the comparison between students of traditional and CBME curriculum in the subject of pharmacology based on their academic parameters. It also aims to establish comparison and correlation of academic performance with gender, home place area, and mode of learning used. We also aim to determine whether objective parameters like multiple choice question (MCQ) section of preliminary examination show any correlation with final university examination performance. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional type of study. Seventy-seven students from traditional old curriculum and 98 students from CBME new curriculum batches participated with informed consent. The data for analysis between old and new curriculum batches were done using the mark obtained in final university examination in the subject of pharmacology. Quantitative parameters, that is, total marks overall, total theory marks, total marks in practical and oral viva combined, total marks in internal assessment and MCQ marks of preliminary examination, and qualitative variables such as gender of the student, home place area, that is, rural or urban and mode of learning used (physical or physical and digital) were obtained from the participants. IBM-SPSS version 25 software was used to perform descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and Pearson’s correlation. Results: The results clearly demonstrate that the old curriculum batch of 2018 performed better than 2019 in overall as well as practical aspects of the subject. Pearson’s correlation between all the quantitative parameters, that is, total marks overall, total theory marks, total marks in practical and oral viva combined, total marks in internal assessment, and MCQ marks of prelims for the batch of 2019 showed positive correlation with each other. Conclusions: This study concludes that the old curriculum batch performed better than new curriculum batch in the subject of pharmacology. MCQ examination held in offline mode helps in better correlation with final university results as compared to online mode.

Analysis of pattern of anti-osteoarthritic drugs in a tertiary care hospital of central India – A drug utilization study

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common kind of arthritis and symptomatic OA is recognized as a significant cause of disability and participation limitation in middle-aged and older persons. Aims and Objectives: The present study was done to evaluate drug utilization pattern of drugs used in treatment of OA at tertiary care center in central India. Materials and Methods: The present study was observational and prospective research carried out at NKP Salve Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Nagpur, a tertiary care hospital. The necessary information was collected from the orthopedics department. The investigation lasted 6 months, from July 2022 to December 2022. The present research included 108 patients diagnosed with OA. Results: The research included a total of 104 patients comprising of 58 females and 44 men. The majority of the patients were found to be 60 years old or older, with OA impacting their knee joint considerably (45%). NSAIDs were the most regularly given class of medicines in OA which was prescribed to 81% of the patients. Combined treatment of NSAIDs, calcium, and Vitamin D3. It was found that 52% of patients were adhering to OA medication. Conclusion: The patient’s uncontrolled pain was brought on by medicines, a low-calcium diet, increased stress, obesity, and advanced age, as well as a lack of knowledge about the challenges associated with OA.

Perceptions of Undergraduate Medical Students towards Online Learning in a Medical College in the National Capital Region (NCR), India

Background: Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the globe, it has not been possible to conduct traditional classroom teaching in view of the closure of schools and colleges in our country since March 2020. Hence, it is important to study the highlights, demerits, and bottlenecks in the implementation of online education from a student’s perspective. Methods: The present study was carried out to assess perceptions regarding virtual classroom among undergraduate students of a tertiary medical college in U.P. A pre-designed, semi-structured questionnaire was used. Study was conducted through an online survey. Data was analyzed with the help of SPSS version 21. Results: A total of 377 participants were included in the study. More than half of the participants (54.9%) preferred a mixed mode of learning which includes both online and offline learning. Lack of interaction with teachers (66.3%) and fellow students (57.6%) and lack of quiet space at home to listen to online classes (44%) were a few of the perceived demerits of online classes. Internet speed was found to be one of the most challenging issues faced in online learning (78.5%). Conclusion: Students’ perception of the blended learning mode was positive. They were, however, less enthusiastic about online learning than they were about conventional classroom learning.

Assessment of vaccine hesitancy for COVID-19 vaccines and evaluation of factors associated with it, among the residents of North Maharashtra Region, India

Background: Large scale vaccination drive from COVID-19 vaccines needs readily acceptance of vaccine for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 among general population. Maharashtra being most affected state in India needs studies regarding evaluation vaccine hesitancy among the population. Aim and Objective: This study was aimed at the assessment of vaccine hesitancy about the COVID-19 vaccine and possible factors influencing the decision-making process regarding vaccine acceptance among the population in the region of North Maharashtra. Materials and Methods: The survey was conducted between February 20, 2021, and March 15, 2021, using pre-validated questionnaire utilizing online google form platform among the residents of north Maharashtra. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: Majority of 571 (73.9%) participants in our study agreed that the COVID-19 vaccine can prevent corona. Out of 772 responses, 54 participants said “No” to vaccination while 120 participants were uncertain choosing “Maybe” when asked if they will take vaccine. 598 (77.5) participants said “Yes” to vaccination which constituted majority of responses. 129 participants had all four risk factors present among the family members while 184 participants had no family members with risk factors given in questionnaire. More than half (51.2%) of participants were worried about the serious adverse effects of the vaccination. 641 (83%) participants agreed that vaccines provided in other government programs are effective. Conclusion: This study reflects the concerns about vaccine hesitancy present about the COVID-19 vaccines among the masses. For effective vaccination drive at mass scale, it is imperative to provide reliable information to the population and relieve their safety concerns. Evidence-based information disseminated through proper channels is the need of hour for enabling masses to make informed decisions about COVID-19 vaccination.

Relationship between awareness and fear about coronavirus disease infection among M.B.B.S. students studying at dedicated coronavirus disease hospital – A cross-sectional web-based survey

Background: News of havoc created by novel corona virus in infected regions of the world gave rise to fear and panic about coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection among the people. Various news agencies, bringing mixed and variable information helped the spread of fear among the masses. Aims and Objectives: On literature search, few studies can be found analyzing fear and anxiety about COVID-19 infection among medical students, medical professionals, as well as general public. The present study is an attempt to fulfill these lacunae. Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out at tertiary care hospital and medical college. Design of the study was a cross-sectional, observational study and data collection was carried out using online means. Results: Mean score of All responses was 7.37 and with standard deviation of 1.36. Among individual questions, perfect score was achieved for question regarding common symptoms for COVID-19 infection while the lowest score was obtained for minimum hand washing time mentioned as per the WHO guidelines with only 15.6% of responders giving correct answer. Conclusion: Findings of this study demonstrated the level of fear and level of awareness and knowledge among the M.B.B.S. students. There was moderate amount of fear among the minds of students and their awareness and knowledge about COVID-19 infection was high. Although, difference in awareness score was statistically significant but no significant difference was obtained for fear levels among different batches of medical students.

Craniofacial surgery for craniometaphyseal dysplasia.

Craniometaphyseal dysplasia (CMD) is a rare congenital bone dysplasia with abnormal bony overgrowth leading to characteristic facial features and cranial nerve compression. We present a 10-year-old child with bony swelling at the nasal root since birth along with decreased hearing in both ears. She had normal developmental milestones and intelligence. On examination, she had bossing of forehead with very broad nasal root, short septum, hypertelorism and epicanthic folds. CT scan with 3D reconstruction revealed grossly thickened calvarium and hyperostosis and sclerosis of the cranial base. As the major concern of the parents was cosmetic, craniofacial reconstruction was performed with good cosmetic outcome.

Undescended testis: evaluation by magnetic resonance imaging.

We describe our experience of prospective magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study in patients of undescended testis, with a 1.5 T equipment using body coil. There were thirty two patients, aged 1.5 to 14 years with a mean age of nine years. Surgical follow up was obtained for thirty one patients. We were able to indicate the position of 26 testes in 22 patients and absence of five testes in three patients. MRI was falsely positive and negative for five and two testes, respectively. Testicular tissue at ectopic site was identified by presence of characteristic signal intensity pattern, mediastinum testis and its location along empty spermatic canal in cases of inguinal testis either singly or in combination. MRI was able to detect atrophic changes in four testes, confirmed on surgery. The study concludes that MR imaging is useful in the localization and tissue characterization of a non palpable testis. However, it is not sensitive enough for complete exclusion of the diagnosis of an undescended testis. Thus a surgical or laproscopic exploration may be needed further in selective cases for the management of patient.