Comparison of perceptions regarding nutrition education between medical interns trained in the discipline-based and the integrated curriculum in gulf medical university Ajman

ABSTRACT

Gulf Medical University, Ajman has changed from a discipline-based curriculum to an organsystem based integrated curriculum. To compare perceptions of medical interns from the discipline based and the integrated curriculum regarding nutrition and nutrition education in the undergraduate medical curriculum. Questionnaire based study with medical interns from the discipline based curriculum [Batch 2007] and the organ-system based integrated curriculum [Batch 2008]. Respondents rated on a Likert-like [1-5] scale items spanning domains including attitudes to nutrition, perceptions regarding nutrition-related knowledge, competence in nutrition-related skills and nutrition education in the curriculum. 22 interns from the discipline-based and 33 from the integrated curriculum completed the survey. 61% were males. Both groups had positive attitudes to nutrition counseling [median score=4]. Total scores in the knowledge domain were significantly higher in the integrated curriculum group. Perceptions regarding knowledge and skills in most nutrition related topics was good in both groups [Median score=4]. Both groups of interns were uncertain [Median score=3] regarding the quantity and quality of nutrition education. Most interns felt a need for more nutrition education in the curriculum [Median score=4] however fewer interns from the integrated curriculum compared to the discipline-based curriculum felt the need for more nutrition education in [basic nutrition concepts] [48% vs. 69%], [nutrition in primary care settings] [44% vs. 75%], [nutritional assessment] [52 vs. 81%] and [evidence based nutrition][30 vs. 75%]. Similar numbers [55.6 and 56.3%] perceived the need for more 'clinical nutrition [nutrition in disease states]] in both groups. Changing the curriculum did not bring about significant changes in attitudes regarding nutrition or perceptions regarding nutrition-related competences. However a significant increase was seen in perceptions regarding nutrition knowledge. Interns from both groups perceived a need for more nutrition education especially Clinical nutrition [nutrition in disease states]