Perceptions Of Medical Students About Research At Undergraduate Level.

BACKGROUND: Undergraduate (UG) research is new but important concept in modern science. It is considered as an effective educational tool for enhancing the undergraduate medical experience. The objectives of the study were to know the perceptions of UG medical students towards research, main motivating factors and barriers faced by the students. METHODS: It was Crosssectional study with both quantitative and qualitative portions conducted in Ayub Medical College (AMC) from November 2018 to April 2019. The quantitative portion of the study was based on a simple questionnaire with 9 closed ended questions completed by 215 participants selected using stratified random sampling technique. Data was analysed using SPSS 20.0. The Qualitative portion of the study was based on 8 Focused Group Discussions (FGDs), two from each year, with 6-10 participants. The interviews were recorded and reported by obtaining informed consent from each participant. The audio recording of the FGDs was transcribed verbatim and content analysis was done by conventional content analysis. RESULTS: Out of 215, 128 (59.5%) had a previous research experience mostly as a compulsory requirement of undergraduate curriculum; 134 (62.3%) were aware that research is a part of their curriculum. Lack of resources and lack of interest of students was main barrier, i.e., 152 (70.7%). For 133 (61.8%) participants, the main motivating factor was learning research methodology. CONCLUSIONS: Students were aware about research and their awareness about research increased with increasing year in medical school. Hardly any student had a research experience beforehand they took part in mandatory research in 4th year.

Reasons For Delayed Presentation Of Patients With St Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction To Thrombolytic Therapy In Cardiology Department Of Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad.

BACKGROUND: ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Any delay in reperfusion therapy is associated with poor outcomes. This study was done to know the major reasons for delayed presentation to thrombolytic therapy. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad from March 2019 till June 2020. A total of 120 diagnosed STEMI patients late for thrombolysis therapy and admitted in the CCU were included in this study. Non-probability convenience sampling technique was used. Data was analysed using SPSS version 16.0. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 61.6±1.07 years. Most of them were married (111), unemployed (85) and lived in urban areas (69). The most important reasons for delayed presentation of STEMI patients to thrombolytic therapy were due to the attribution of symptoms by patients to other conditions/diseases (57.5% CI:48.53-66.47), attempted self-treatment (50.8% CI: 41.76-59.91), misdiagnosis of symptoms (50%, CI:40.92-59.08), living in an area far away from any hospital (45%, CI:35.48-53.60) and problems of transportation (37%, CI:28.17-45.78). CONCLUSION: The early arrival of patients to health care facility in time is critical in diseases like STEMI. There can be many reasons for delayed presentation of patients to thrombolytic therapy but the most important ones were attribution of symptoms by patients to other diseases, attempted self-treatment, misdiagnosis of symptoms, and problems of transportation.