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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic affected all the educational activities including medical education and there is a substantial shift from direct classes to online platforms.In competency-based medical education (CBME), the formative assessment orchestrates a prominent role in increasing the student’s capacity of learning. This method of teaching guides the students to measure the performance over a period of time and also improves the students’ knowledge gap. Aim and Objectives: The present study was carried to evaluate the perception and attitude of students toward online assessment during the formative assessment in 1st year MBBS degree in biochemistry subject. The study also aimed to assess practical difficulty and feasibility of conducting online assessment as a part of formative assessment as per CBME curriculum. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 124 1st year MBBS students and the students were informed about the assessment in 15 days advance. The perception and attitude of the students toward online assessment was done using 20 items structured questionnaire administered through Google forms. The students’ response was measured using 5-point Likert scale. Results: Among the 124 students, 42 (39.6%) were aware about online assessment. About 57.5% of students preferred any type of gadgets such as desktops, laptops, and smart phones. Most of the students 84.5% obtained 50–75% for a total score of 25. Around, 51.9% of students responded that online teaching is more feasible, and 74.5% reported that there is connectivity problem during online platform. In this study, 46.2% online assessment is safe and 41.5% strongly disagree that distraction from home environment did not affect the online assessment. Conclusion: The present study concludes that the students are more interested in MCQ-based question assessment for the knowledge assessment. Further, they opined in favor of online education but with some demerits.
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Background: Medical students are reported to have high levels of mental distress that includes problems such as anxiety, depression, and stress due to the highly competitive curriculum. In the post-pandemic era with a renewed perspective toward health system and popularization of online classes, current batch of students are exposed to diverse sources of mental distress. Aims and Objectives: Objectives of this study were to find out the socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics, family background and academic profile of the study participants, and to estimate the proportion of different varieties of mental distress among them, and to examine relationship of mental distress with sociodemographic, behavioral and academic profile. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was performed on 649 undergraduate students by census method using depression anxiety stress scale-21 items. Results: The study participants are predominantly Hindu, urban, unmarried, hostelites, males from nuclear families and belonging to upper socioeconomic class according to Modified B.G Prasad Socioeconomic Status Scale (January 2022). The proportion of depression, anxiety, and stress among study participants was found to be 49.61%, 58.86%, and 33.13%, respectively. Proportion of mental distress was significantly higher in the age group of 21–24 years. Those who preferred to study more at night were more anxious and stressed. Stress was higher in students with addiction to gadgets too. Participants hailing from rural areas, hostelites, and paying guests were relatively more depressed. Conclusion: There is urgent need for emotional support and provision of personalized counseling for the MBBS students as unchecked mental distress can turn into severe psychological morbidity.
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Introduction : Early Clinical Exposure is a teaching learning method which enables student to learn basic sciences effectively and retain the information which bene?ts patient and promotes better patient care. Hundred students selected after applying inclusion exclusion criteria divided into 2 groups A and B taught Methodology : basal ganglia and thyroid physiology in conventional method and other in ECE integrated method respectively and after interchanging groups, demonstrating the clinical features of parkinsonism and hypothyroidism for ECE group. A pretest and post-test were conducted preceding and following lecture in both settings. The results obtained were interpreted using Results : excel. The mean of pre-test marks for Traditional teaching and ECE integrated teaching are 5.62±2.42 and 4.58±2.33 respectively and the post-test scores of Traditional and ECE teaching are 10.62±2.52 and 12.8±2.46 respectively. Discussion : Majority considered that the synchronisation of classroom learning with clinical experiences was bene?cial, and the majority believed that integrated teaching improved understanding of the practical applications of physiology. Through Conclusion : this study we conclude that ECE integrated teaching is more effective in imparting knowledge in ?rst MBBS students as the gap of imagination was bridged by live demonstration with help of patient which is re?ected in the Likert scale and in the scores. Though the ECE integration is a tough job for the teacher, it is a great learning tool for students.
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Background: Reflection is essential in training physicians mainly because it helps them to participate in collaborative teams, respond in unique and compassionate manner to clinical cases and situations and behave professionally and with empathy. Aims and Objectives: The objective of this study was to observe the reflective writing ability of the Phase II MBBS students of the institute after a structured training and to obtain student feedback about the experience. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, observational study conducted at the Department of Pharmacology, of a Medical college. A total of 102 students were included in an interactive lecture on reflection writing. Over 3 weeks they were shown three different videos (two of them doctor patient/family member interactions and one a teacher student interaction). The students were asked to reflect about what they saw in the videos. Their reflection was under three heads - “what happened, what was your reaction, and what can be done next.” Their reflection was analyzed using a scoring system (score 1 no refection to score 6 with in depth reflection) by a single observer. Their feedback was obtained using a 5-point Likert scale. Results: Average scores of the students in the three reflection exercises were 2.85 ± 0.78, 2.98 ± 0.84, and 3.36 ± 0.57, respectively, showing improvement in reflection skills. Feedback from the students showed that most liked the experience and recommended for their peers. Conclusions: We concluded that 2nd year MBBS students, when taught the structure of a reflective exercise may be able to reflect better on their day to day experiences.
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Background: The stress levels among the 1st year MBBS students are high due to multiple factors. In this setting, an objective assessment of stress and coping strategies among medical students may provide a foundation to adopting specific measures to help them. Aims and Objectives: The specific objectives of the study were to compare stress levels and coping strategies among medical students from different backgrounds and mediums of instructions and to ategorize the stress level of students depending on Class X, XII marks, number of attempts, and annual family income. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight 1st year MBBS students were recruited for the study. Participants were divided into two groups, that is, Group 1 – English medium schools and Group 2 – Hindi medium schools and informed consent was taken. In a preferable time slot, the participants were given two questionnaires (Zung’s SDS and Way of Coping Revised scale) and a table of personal information to fill. Results: There were significantly higher stress scores among English medium students as compared to vernacular medium. There was no correlation between Class 10th and 12th marks with the stress. Proportion of students having high stress had AFI <1 lakh and proportion having low stress had AFI more than 5 lakh. Students having more than 3 attempts in medical qualifying examination had the least stress scores. Conclusion: Stress among medical students was found to more in students from English medium schools due to the urban background of these students. High family income acts a psychological security for the students, hence the low stress among them. Students with more than 3 attempts in qualifying examination were more mature, hence the low stress score among them.
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Background: Knowledge of anatomy, one of the core preclinical subjects, is very important for medical undergraduates to have a thorough understanding of various clinical conditions. The traditional method of learning anatomy involves dissection of human cadavers. Medical education system is entering an era in which the traditional teaching methods are being supplemented by newer technological teaching techniques. Simulation based teaching like virtual dissection table “Anatomage” can enhance the understanding and retaining capacity of the subject. The aim of the study is to determine the perception of virtual dissection, among students and staff and to compare the knowledge acquired through simulation based teaching and traditional teaching method. Material and Method: The study comprised of 150 first-year MBBS students who attended regular theory class on ‘joints of musculoskeletal system’ and answered pre-test. The students were divided into two groups, based on teaching method, one which involved the use of a virtual dissection table, and the other, involving the use of cadaveric dissection. The students were made to attempt the post-test. The students were then assessed based on their responses to the pre- and post-tests. Feedback on the overall utility of the table from both students and staff was taken. Results: The mean post-test scores were significantly higher than the mean pre-test scores, irrespective of the teaching method used. (p<0.001) However, the students who were exposed to the virtual dissection table scored comparatively better in the post-test than those exposed to cadaveric dissection. (p<0.001) 100% of the faculty and 93.3% of the students agreed that three-dimensional visualization improves understanding of anatomical structures. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that though cadaveric dissection and virtual dissection enhance learning, the students tend to perform better with virtual dissection. The incorporation of simulation-based teaching into the Anatomy curriculum is essential to supplement traditional cadaveric dissection and ensure engaging as well as high impact delivery of the curriculum.
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Background: Globally undergraduate medical students have a high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress. Few studies from different parts of India have reported the increased prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress in MBBS students due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, the causal relationship between COVID-19 and the deranged mental health of the students have not been established. Further, data from the Kanpur city of Uttar Pradesh are lacking regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of 1st-year MBBS students. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to explore the impact of COVID-19 on depression, anxiety, and stress of MBBS students in their first professional year. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on undergraduate medical students of a Government Medical College in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. Seventy-two male and forty-six female students were involved in the study. Most of the students were 17–25 years old. An online Google form was used to know the score of depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS). The demographic profile of the participants was also assessed through an online survey using Google form. The Chi-square test was used for testing relationships between categorical variables wherever required and P ? 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 39%, 52%, and 37%. Gender, age, place of residence, mediation practice, and type of family had no relation with the DASS-21 score. Conclusion: First-year MBBS students of Kanpur have an almost similar prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress as reported by the previous Indian studies during the pre-COVID-19 pandemic.
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Background: Over the counter drugs (OTC) are the drugs that can be sold by the pharmacist without the prescription of registered medical practitioner. There is an increase in the trend of usage of OTC drugs because of busy lifestyle which can result in adverse drug reactions, drug interaction, abuse, and misuse of drugs. Since medical students are future doctors and play an important role in educating the patients regarding benefits and risks of using OTC drugs, the present study is undertaken to assess the knowledge and practice of OTC drugs among MBBS students. Aim and Objectives: The main objectives of this study was to determine the commonly used OTC drugs and indications for the use of OTC drugs among MBBS students and to assess their knowledge on safety of use of OTC drugs. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, observational, and questionnaire-based study was conducted during December 2021 among 2nd year MBBS students, after getting approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Students were explained about the purpose of the study and questionnaire was administered to the students. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: In our study, we observed that 75.3% of students practiced self-medication (SM) using OTC drugs for minor illnesses. The most common drugs used for SM were analgesics, antipyretics and antihistamines. The most common reason for using OTC drugs is due to influence from family and friends/seniors (30.2%). Conclusion: Use of OTC is widely practiced among health care professionals, since they are exposed to knowledge of drugs, from 2nd year MBBS itself. Since students are future doctors and play a very important role in communication of knowledge regarding medical therapy including use of OTC drugs to the patients, they should be educated in a larger way regarding pros and consequences of use of OTC drugs.
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Background: The onset of the aggressive Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic has necessitated masks for the health care community. For healthcare workers, proper knowledge, a good attitude and increased comfortability with masks are of great essence. Knowledge of proper use and handling of masks among health care workers and medical students is of utmost importance as they protect the wearer and those around from transmission of infection. Aim and Objectives: To assess the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of 2nd year MBBS Students Regarding the Use of Face Mask to Limit the Spread of the New COVID-19. Materials and Methods: After obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Ethical Committee with an ethical approval no. of IEC/2020/2/42, a questionnaire with 14 questions was prepared to investigate the knowledge, attitude, practices, and problems faced by 2nd Year MBBS students with regards to wearing a face mask during the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire was sent electronically, consent was obtained and the responses were analyzed. Results: Assessment of knowledge revealed that 87.3% of participants knew the correct way of using a mask, 87.3% knew that there are three layers in it and 83.3% knew that the middle layer acts as the filter media barrier. Only 32.4% of participants knew that a surgical mask can be used for 8 hours and 92.2% incorrectly indicated cloth masks to be as effective in protection from COVID-19 as surgical masks are. About 97.1% of participants knew the purpose of metal strips and 93.1% knew the extent to which a surgical mask must cover. The attitude was excellent with 95.1% of participants believing that surgical masks can help, 90.2% saying they knew the steps of wearing a mask, and participants wearing masks at all times when conversing with patients and in public as well. Perturbingly, only 24.5% of participants faced no issues when wearing a mask. Conclusion: Overall, respondents displayed thorough knowledge and exuded a highly positive attitude but less than a fourth of respondents faced no issues while wearing a mask. Continued educational efforts and more research into mask comfort is the need of the hour.
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The medical education system in India is one of the largest in the world. Therefore, the quality of Indian medical education and the physicians it produces has implications on public health at large. Change is the necessity of evolution and growth. In this article, we address the challenges Indian undergraduate medical education faces and attempt to address them. The steps suggested are delineation of goals and objectives of education based upon the need of the country, adoption of innovative digital-based synchronous and asynchronous teaching, both in-person and digital learning methodology (hybrid model), early introduction of clinical postings, family adoption program, shortening the course of MBBS, problem-based learning, adjustments in the course structure, updating of course content, rationalizing assessment strategy, and emphasis on structured and skill-oriented internship.
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Background: Medical education in India is being revolutionized with the introduction of “Competency-based undergraduate curriculum” for an Indian Medical Graduate. It demands great commitment, flexibility to adopt to changes, and lifelong learning. For this, 1 month foundation course was introduced across the country. Unfortunately, the pandemic had cast its shadow on a conduct of this very pertinent foundation course at a classical offline mode and made a shift to online learning inevitable. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to study how the use of technology can result in effective delivery of course content through feedback analysis and online objective assessment. Materials and Methods: Feedback from the students was obtained employing a predesigned questionnaire mailed to them using Google forms and online objective assessment was also conducted after the end of the course. Results: The majority of the students felt that the topics selected were absolutely essential for the medical profession and scored fairly well in the assessment. Conclusion: The results of the present indicate that there was not much difference in students perception about the foundation course whether covered through online or offline mode suggesting a blended learning format to be a useful teaching learning method during the post-pandemic phase.
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Background: Lectures have always been the most popularly used teaching-learning method since time immemorial. However recently in today’s computer age, PowerPoint method has gained popularity over traditional blackboard teaching method. The use of the blackboard by a teacher depended on teacher’s ability to draw and write on the board. It provided a variety of opportunities for modifying the presentation of the subject content. Chalkboard aid is inexpensive, easy to clean and reuse, allows students to keep pace with the teacher, and is not dependent on electricity. PPT has the advantages of using colors, fonts, diagrams, and animations. Aim and Objective: The aim of this study was to compare blackboard teaching method with PowerPoint teaching method by pre- and post-questionnaire and evaluation of feedback from 1st year MBBS students in the subject of physiology. Materials and Methods: This comparative study was conducted at Nootan Medical College and Research Center, Visnagar, Gujarat on October–December 2019 as a part of Project for the Advance Course in Medical Education. A total of 150 students were participated and their consent was taken. After that, students were divided randomly into two groups, Group A and Group B, each having 75 students. Two different topics with same difficulty level were taught to both groups by both the methods with pre- and post-test of five multiple choice questions. After that, feedback questionnaire with ten questions was given to both groups regarding both the methods. Results of pre- and post-test were analyzed by paired t-test. Results: Mean post-test result for blackboard method was slightly higher than that for PowerPoint Method. Values are statistically significant when analyzed by Paired t-test. Conclusion: Blackboard teaching method is preferred over PowerPoint teaching method in the learning physiology by 1st year MBBS students. Blackboard teaching method has more retention rate, better understanding of topic, and more interactive, effective, and sufficient time available for taking notes.
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Background: Internet addiction disorder is identified as a matter of grave concern likely to cause physical, psychological, and social issues. Hence, this survey was designed to study its degree and impact on second MBBS students of a medical college in India. Aims and Objectives: Objectives were to determine the degree of internet addiction, its effect on personal relationships, academics, psychological and physical health along with commonly accessed applications, and monthly expenditure. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out wherein each participant was provided with a pre-validated questionnaire of which Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT) was a part. Results: Of 108 participants, the ratio of males to females was 1:1. According to the IAT score, regular use was noted in 28 students whereas mild and moderate addiction was observed in 53 and 27 students, respectively. Academic performance was most affected (3.71 ± 2.03 vs. 6.53 ± 2.49 vs. 9.15 ± 1.59) while personal relationships were least affected (1.43 ± 1.45 vs. 2.07 ± 1.59 vs. 2.96 ± 2.63) across all grades. Deleterious effect on physical and psychological health was seen with increasing grades of addiction which was statistically significant. Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Google were commonly accessed with majority (n = 94) of participants spending <500 INR monthly. Conclusion: Our study inferred that mild and moderate addiction was commonly seen in students and can be a potential cause for physical and psychosocial issues. Nonetheless, the situation can be managed by employing a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, pharmacotherapy, and support group therapy.
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Background: Complementary and alternative medicine is very robust in some parts of the world. The study was done to impart the experiential learning related to sources of drugs in a pharmacy practical class for MBBS students.Methods: We used ingredient-tray (I-Tray) teaching tool consisting of two parts to generate experiential learning in MBBS students about ethno pharmacological sources of drugs. Innovatively designed I -tray filled with two sizes plastic containers (100 ml and 50 ml sizes used for collecting biological samples of sputum and urine) containing crude drug medicinal sources which were arranged in gutters of the tray. They were sorted into five categories such as plants (flowers of Vinca rosea, bark of Terminalia arjuna, roots of Rauwolfia serpentine and Eucalyptus leaves); animals (formalin preservatives freshwater leech, shells and vaccines); minerals (kaolin, potassium permanganate and charcoal); oils and others. Three charts of 4 square feet sizes were used for demonstration of synthetic, microbiological and genetically engineered drug sources.Results: The students’ approval rate of I-tray was mean yes value of 105.78 for a tool of active learning out of total 113 students. Around 100%, 98.23 % and 97.35% students utilised application of concept (cognition), faculty of smell (affective) and volunteering (psychomotor) in the class. However female students had statistically significant score against this set up of the class depicting gender specificity of the learning process.Conclusions: Thus teaching traditional sources of drugs through I-tray impart higher order social, place based and experiential learning of medicine.
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Background: Rational prescribing of the medicines is an essential skill required by all the doctors. Interns are not prepared or confident in rational prescription either because of inadequate training or knowledge is not retained by the time they come to internship or due to fast change in the concepts or protocols in pharmacology. The objectives of the study were to introduce and assess a short sensitization and training for interns regarding clinical pharmacology and therapeutics (CPT).Methods: It was a quasi-experimental type of interventional study done on 30 pediatrics interns. A short sensitization and training was given regarding CPT using flipped classroom model. Pre-test and post-test was conducted to know the effectiveness of the sensitization/training. Students’ opinion was also taken regarding the training and incorporation of similar training in other departments.Results: The mean percentage scores of the objective type questions in the pretest was 40.6±3.25 which increased significantly (p<0.05) to 74±2.95 in post-test. The mean percentage scores of the problem solving type questions in the pretest was 30.78±5.25 which increased significantly (p<0.05) to 65.21±4.65 in post-test.Conclusions: The sensitization and training was effective and there was overall satisfaction of conduct of such training among pediatrics interns. Further detailed research has to be conducted in different departments and faculties’ opinion regarding incorporation of CPT training and feasibility has to be considered before we recommend such training during internship.
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Background: Universal precautions is an approach to infection control to treat all human blood and certain human body fluids as if they were known to be infectious for HIV, HBV and other bloodborne pathogens. The CDC recommends Standard Precautions for the care of all patients, regardless of their diagnosis or presumed infection status. Health care personals are at risk of being exposed to blood-borne pathogens. The aim of the study to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of medical and nursing students towards universal precautions.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out at S. S. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Davangere, Karnataka. The participants were medical and Nursing undergraduate students. A questionnaire was prepared based on the WHO and CDC guidelines on Universal Precautions and was validated and pre-tested before finalization. Degree of knowledge was ascertained by means of yes-no questions on each item being evaluated.Results: All students were aware of Universal precautions, but soundness of their knowledge is very poor. Compliance in Universal precautions is good to average in nursing students but poor to average in medical students.Conclusions: It can be concluded that interventions to improve Universal precautions among medical students, nursing students urgently needed. So, there is a need for developing strategies to promote the use of Universal precautions which take into account behaviour change and accuracy of knowledge including its integration into practice. Teaching universal precautions early in their curriculum is necessary for better learning and practices during their posting.
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Background: With digitization the e-learning modalities are being increasingly used by medical students. These often help the first MBBS students to overcome limitations of conventional teaching methods like didactic lectures. However, e-learning is not official part of medical education in India and the awareness about its use among medical students need to be evaluated. Aim and objective of the study was to assess the extent to which MBBS first year students use e-resources for learning as well as to assess knowledge, attitude, skills and habits of first MBBS students towards e-learning.Methods: A questionnaire of twenty five questions on various aspects of e-learning was administered to the first MBBS students at two medical colleges. The data generated from responses was compiled and analyzed on SPSS to get insight on various aspects of e-learning.Results: Out of 236 students surveyed 77.97% were aware about the academic websites related to first MBBS subjects. 90.68 % accepted that e-learning helped in understanding topics, 84.32% recommended conventional teaching to be supplemented with e-learning. However there was no statistically significant difference between responses from two groups i.e. female and male students (p>0.05).Conclusions: The majority of first MBBS students use e-resources for learning various topics in anatomy, physiology and biochemistry. The e-resources have made a positive impact on overall learning especially anatomy. e-learning can supplement conventional teaching in the first year of medical training.
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Background: World Health Organization (WHO) defines physical activity as “any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. Since medical education is considered stressful due to voluminous academics, it leaves little time for the students to relax and recreate. Hence the present study had been undertaken with an aim to study various trends of physical activity, health status and academic performance among medical students and to find out any association between physical activity and health status, academic performance of medical students.Methods: A cross-sectional study had been undertaken among 2nd and 3rd year MBBS students of our medical college. Physical activity was assessed using GPAQ version 2 questionnaire and mental status of students was measured using hospital anxiety and depression scale. Height, weight, and BMI, of each student along with demographic details were collected. The total percentage of any one of the internal marks of each student was taken for assessing the academic performance.Results: Out of total 150 medical students it was found that 44% of medical students were physically inactive and 40.7% of them were highly active. Majority of female students 70.3% were physically inactive and overweight and obesity were higher among them when compared with male students. But anxiety and depressive symptoms were higher among male students. There was statistically significant difference in association between level of physical activity and mental health. The academic performance also increased with increase in physical activity.Conclusions: Physical activity and mental health are related proportionally and it bears a positive influence on the education of the youth. The regular physical activity improves the mental status and academic performance among students.
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Background andObjectives: Overweight and obesity are not only the biggest problem among the middle-aged but also among children, teenagers and young adults. Early detection of the factors causing obesity, in turn, helps in the prevention of its complications. The objectives of the study were to assess the various lifestyle practices among medical students and to correlate the relationship between the nutritional status and biochemical parameters.Methods:A cross-sectional -study was conducted on MBBS students studying at Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS), Mandya, Karnataka, India. Self-administered questionnaires were given to the students followed by the recording of their anthropometric measurements. Nutritional status was assessed using the Body Mass Index (BMI). Fasting blood sample was collected from the student and analysed the biochemical parameters.Results: Out of 325 students, 48.9% were male students and 51.1% were female students. Itwas found that a higher percentage of female students (53%) was on a balanced diet as compared to male students (47.2%). The daily consumption of fruits and vegetables were less amongst students of both genders. Mean values of Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG) and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL-C) were higher among male students as compared to female students. Mean values of few biochemical parameters like FBS, TC, TG and LDL-C were higher amongst obese students along with a corresponding decrease in High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL-C).Conclusion:Our study showed that unhealthy dietary and lifestyle practices were associated with increased levels of various biochemical parameters and it was more common amongst male students. Increased biochemical parameters like FBS, TC, TG and LDL-C with the corresponding decrease in HDL-C is an alarming sign for increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease among the younger age group.