ABSTRACT
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has nearly disrupted the teaching- learning among all the students of all the educational institutions globally, leaving with e-learning as the most adopted source to continue with the system of education, even among medical institutions. Aim: After 12-16 weeks of only online learning, this survey was conducted to probe the perception of online teaching learning methodology among medical students of various institutions in Puducherry. Materials and Methods: A survey was conducted through online questionnaire setup with Google form distributed to medical students of various institutions in Puducherry. Each student were allowed to submit the response once. The objectives were fully informed and respondents were allowed to participate voluntarily. The data obtained were analyzed statistically. Results: According to respondents' response, the main advantages of online learning were the ability to stay at home (73%), continuous access to online materials (70%), learning at their own pace (54%), and comfortable surroundings (60%). The majority of respondents chose lack of interactions with patients and teachers (70%) and technical problems with IT equipment (58%) as the main disadvantages. E-learning was considered less effective than face-to-face learning in terms of increasing skills and social competences. Students assessed that they were less active during online classes compared to traditional classes. E-learning was rated as enjoyable by 76% of respondents. Conclusion: The present survey agrees e-learning is a valuable method of teaching medical students. With the respondent's opinion this method increases knowledge, but the skill component and behavioural changes is less achievable. E-learning should not only be based on the delivery of content, but students should be able to work with the materials and receive feedback to improvise.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Scoliosis refers to the lateral curvature of the spine, which is progressive leading to morphological changes affecting quality of life, postural disability, even causing respiratory distress. Hence, screening the prevalence of scoliosis is much needed at a very early stage among school going children, thereby preventing permanent damage and spinal disorders that worsens. Aim: This study was undertaken to identify the prevalence of scoliosis among school going children in Puducherry thereby adequate adequate knowledge shall be provided to them to make them aware of the clinical condition,change their perception about the disease and motivate them to take necessary steps to overcome scoliosis at an earlier phase. Materials and Methods: A total of 1164 children (724 boys, 440 girls) aged from 6-17 years, were recruited for the study (since COVID-19 phase, most of the educational institutions were conducting only online sessions). The screening procedure included Adam's test(forward bending test) and scoliometer measurements, if >70 referred for poster anterior radiograph of the trunk, where Cobb angle is measured ,and if found to be >200 were identified to have scoliosis. The objectives were fully informed to the parents and the students and respondents were allowed to participate voluntarily. The data obtained were analyzed statistically. Results: A total of 60 students were found positive on forward bending test and scoliometer measurements >7°, among which 22 were confirmed with scoliosis on standing radiographs., 16 (73%) girls and 6 (27%) boys. Thirty-eight of which 23 (60%) girls and 15 (40%) boys had normal spine curvatures on X- ray examination (false positive). Conclusion: A total of 60 students were suffering from scoliosis, who needs further attention and the same have been informed to the concerned parents.