Attitude and analysis of using computers by the medical students in Karachi

ABSTRACT

Computers provide the wealth of information and the means of communication, education and patient management. Although several studies in different countries have explored the extent to which health science students use the computer and the internet, a few researches are available on this subject in Pakistan, where the Internet culture is cultivating rapidly. Hence this study was conducted to assess the knowledge, skills, proficiency of using computers and browsing internet by the medical students and their implement of this knowledge in the medical field for the purpose of study and research. To assess the frequency and purposes of computer and subsequent internet usage among medical students. A Descriptive cross-sectional study. This study was conducted during 1[st].September - 1[st]. November 2008 amongst the Medical Students enrolled in public and private Medical Colleges of Karachi. The sample size was 450. A well designed structured questionnaire was used to collect responses in a voluntarily and confidential manner. 91% medical students were computer literate. The main reason for lack of computer knowledge was lack of time and lack of access to a computer. 88% agreed that computer has revolutionized and better off the world. 93.3% use internet for research, chatting, health information and medical news, emails, music and entertainment.86.3% students use Google as the main search engine. 83.7% have used internet for the research purpose. 77% use internet for latest medical news. 68.5% students use it for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of diseases. Only 17% are the members of Medical Journals. The medical students using computers have a positive attitude towards its use in the medical field, which not only has made a significant impact but also encourages them in study, research and keep them updated in this fast developing world. Use of computers enhances decision-making, management planning and medical research among the students