scholarly journals Medical Graduates’ Research Practices and Perceptions: A comparative cross-sectional study between 2015 and 2017 graduates of King Abdulaziz University

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 32
Author(s):  
Ahmed M. Basakran ◽  
Maysaa A. Banjari ◽  
Malak A. Almarghoub ◽  
Elaf M. Alzarnougi

Objectives: This study aimed to compare changes in medical students’ research practices and perceptions of two cohorts of graduates. Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted from November 2014 to December 2017 and included the 2015 and 2017 medical graduates of King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A validated self-administrated questionnaire, which included questions about participants’ age and gender, research activities, and obstacles to and motivators for research involvement was used. Results: A total of 484 graduates were included in this study (response rate: 96.8%). A significant difference was found between the 2015 and 2017 graduates who had not started any research project (48.4% versus 35%; P <0.001) and a 20% increase in the 2017 graduates’ confidence in their abilities to start their own projects was observed (P <0.001). Significantly more 2017 graduates were engaged in various research roles, other than 'author', compared to 2015 graduates (71.3% versus 55.4%; P <0.001). Career progression was the main motivator for both the 2015 and 2017 medical graduates to participate in research (79.5%). Reported obstacles to research included a lack of dedicated time for research and methodology training and a shortage of research project opportunities. Conclusion: This study highlights positive changes in attitudes towards and perceptions of research among medical graduates.Keywords: Medical Students; Research; Professional Practice; Attitude; Perception; Medical Education; Saudi Arabia.

2018 ◽  
Vol 94 (1112) ◽  
pp. 325-329
Author(s):  
Thomas Wallbridge ◽  
Angela Holden ◽  
Aled Picton ◽  
Janesh Gupta

IntroductionMedical graduates should be competent in gynaecological examination as well as associated skills including speculum use and swabbing. Male and female medical students may have different opportunities to practise these skills in clinical environments, potentially impacting on confidence and competence. This study explores this further via reviewing students’ learning experience in genitourinary medicine (GUM) and obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) clinics.MethodsCross-sectional study of 759 year 4 and year 5 University of Birmingham medical students via an online questionnaire. This explored degree of participation, impact of gender and self-reported confidence.ResultsOverall response rate was 31% (233/759). Students of either gender who observed an examination being performed by a clinician were more likely to perform the same examination. Female students reported more opportunities to practise gynaecological examination and associated skills. Female students were more likely to be granted consent to perform speculum examinations, vaginal swabbing and vaginal bimanual examinations. Sixty-five per cent of male students felt that their gender affected their learning experience with female patients. Despite this, there was no significant difference in self-reported confidence level in performing gynaecological examinations between genders at the end of placement.ConclusionThe majority of male students perceived that their gender impacted their clinical experience in O&G and GUM. Self-reported confidence levels were unaffected, which could reflect varying approaches to competence between genders. The link between observing examinations and subsequent opportunities to practise is key. This could demonstrate students developing rapport and trust with patients, and clinicians’ roles as gatekeepers.


Author(s):  
Nusrat Bano ◽  
Muhammad Anwar Khan ◽  
Uzma Asif ◽  
Jennifer de Beer ◽  
Hawazen Rawass ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: To assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress in medical students, and to analyse effects of demographics and nomophobia on depression, anxiety and stress. Method: The descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from April 1 to May 23, 2019, and comprised male and female medical students aged 19-25 years. Data was collected using a demographic information form, the 21-item depression, anxiety and stress scale and the 20-item nomophobia questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. Results: Of the 230 students, 108(47%) were boys and 122 (53%) were girls. The overall mean age was 21.93+1.80 years. Anxiety, depression and stress was reported in 168 (74.6%), 158 (70.2%) and 127 (55.9%) of the students. Extremely severe anxiety, depression and stress were self-reported by 92 (40.9%), 38 (16.8%) and 16 (7.04%) students. There was a significant difference in the distribution of subjects within different levels of anxiety across gender (p<0.05).  Higher anxiety and stress scores were observed in 78 (33.9%) students with severe nomophobia. Differences in the levels of anxiety and stress with regards to type of residence and nomophobia levels were significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: There was high prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress associated with gender, nomophobia levels and residence type. Key Words: Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Medical, Nomophobia.


2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 507
Author(s):  
Abdulrahman Alshuwayrikh ◽  
Abdulrahman Aljethaily ◽  
Faris Alosaimi ◽  
Osama Alshaya ◽  
Abdullah Alasmari ◽  
...  

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate knowledge and attitudes towards first aid (FA) measures among medical students at the Al-Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between September and December 2016 among 600 medical students in different academic years at Al-Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University. Knowledge and attitudes towards FA measures were evaluated using a modified version of a previously validated questionnaire. Data were compared between students with previous FA training and those without previous FA training. Results: A total of 259 medical students were included (response rate: 43%). Of these, 43% had previously received FA training and 63% had witnessed an emergency first-hand. Mean theoretical (5.93 ± 2.50 versus 4.49 ± 2.08; P <0.001) and practical (4.29 ± 2.62 versus 2.90 ± 2.17; P <0.001) knowledge scores were significantly higher among students with previous FA training compared to those without training; however, there was no significant difference in mean attitude score (5.60 ± 1.66 versus 5.39 ± 1.66; P = 0.329). Conclusion: The medical students, particularly those without previous FA training, demonstrated weak levels of FA knowledge. Such findings necessitate the inclusion of FA training in medical curricula in Saudi Arabia.Keywords: First Aid; Emergency Treatment; Medical Education; Knowledge; Attitudes; Saudi Arabia.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
A. A. Mustafa ◽  
H. A. Alassiry ◽  
A. Al-Turki ◽  
N. Alamri ◽  
N. A. Alhamdan ◽  
...  

The aim of this research is to provide some insights into the ability of the sixth year medical students and interns to recall theoretical knowledge of pharmacology. A cross-sectional study was conducted among students who graduated from three different medical schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire was distributed to male and female students in 3 different colleges of medicine. The questionnaire included demographic information and ten multiple choice questions (MCQs) on basic pharmacology. Out of the 161 students, there were 39 females (24%) and 122 males (76%). A total of 36 (22%) students studied at a traditional learning school whereas 125 (78%) students studied at problem based learning (PBL) schools. The students were recruited from three universities: KSU, KSAU-HS, and KFMC-COM. In general, 31 students (19%) of the participants scored ≥ 7 out of 10, 77 students (48%) of them obtained a correct score of (4–6) out of 10, and 53 students (33%) scored less than 4. The study showed no statistically significant difference in recalling pharmacology between traditional school and problem based learning school except for those who prepared for exams. Results suggest that pharmacology is a difficult subject. Reevaluations are needed in the way of teaching pharmacology.


10.2196/14666 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. e14666 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed H Abduljabbar ◽  
Sara F Alnajjar ◽  
Hussein Alshamrani ◽  
Lujain F Bashamakh ◽  
Hisham Z Alshehri ◽  
...  

Background Medical undergraduates are the future doctors of the country. Therefore, determining how medical students choose their areas of specialty is essential to obtain a balanced distribution of physicians among all specialties. Although gender is a significant factor that affects specialty choice, the factors underlying gender differences in radiology are not fully elucidated. Objective This study examined the factors that attracted medical students to and discouraged them from selecting diagnostic radiology and analyzed whether these factors differed between female and male medical students. Methods This cross-sectional study conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, used an electronic questionnaire sent to medical students from all medical years during February 2018. Subgroup analyses for gender and radiology interest were performed using the chi-square test and Cramér’s V test. Results In total, 539 students (276 women; 263 men) responded. The most common factor preventing students from choosing radiology as a career was the lack of direct patient contact, which deterred approximately 47% who decided against considering this specialty. Negative perceptions by other physicians (P<.001), lack of acknowledgment by patients (P=.004), and lack of structured radiology rotations (P=.007) dissuaded significantly more male students than female students. Among those interested in radiology, more female students were attracted by job flexibility (P=.01), while more male students were attracted by focused patient interactions with minimal paperwork (P<.001). Conclusions No significant difference was found between the genders in terms of considering radiology as a specialty. Misconception plays a central role in students’ judgment regarding radiology. Hence, early exposure to radiology, assuming a new teaching method, and using a curriculum that supports the active participation of students in a radiology rotation are needed to overcome this misconception.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar A. Al-Mohrej ◽  
Nouf F. Alsadoun ◽  
Fawaz N. Alshaalan ◽  
Rayan I. Alturki ◽  
Anwar M. Al-Rabiah ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Medical research is a central part of any residency training. In view of the new Saudi orthopedic committee promotion regulation that mandates each resident to participate in a research project, the challenges that stand in the way of completion of substantial research within surgical residency must be investigated. The aim of this study was to assess the practice, attitudes, perception, and limitations associated with research among residents in the Saudi orthopedic program in the central region. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between June and July 2020 using an online-based survey. The total number of study participants was 128 orthopedic residents out of the 191 residents enrolled in the central region program. Data were analyzed, and descriptive statistics in the form of frequency and percentage were determined, analytical tests were performed with P < 0.05 being statistically significant. Results Most residents (95 %) participated in a research project during residency. Most projects (53.10 %) were case reports followed by retrospective studies (48.40 %). The majority (79.70 %) did not attend a research methods course during residency. Experience in research differed significantly (P < 0.05) by age, residency year, and center. The mean involvement score was significantly higher among males at 3 (± 1) than among females at 2 (± 0) (P < 0.001). Only 40.60 % have access to orthopedic journals, and the same percentage (40.60 %) knew how to Critique original articles. There was a statistically significant difference in the accessibility score according to the training center. Lack of faculty support and mentorship were the main barriers to medical research at 62.50 and 39.10 %, respectively. A total of 68.80 % reported that funding was not available through their institutes. Conclusions In Saudi Arabia, the level of meaningful clinical research and publications by orthopedic residents is still low. The results of this study should be taken into consideration before the implementation of the new promotion criteria in the centers under the umbrella of Saudi orthopedic committee.


Author(s):  
Hani Alnajjar ◽  
Ibtesam Munshi ◽  
Yumna Kamal ◽  
Rawan Awad Aljohani ◽  
Baylasan Alsahafi ◽  
...  

Aims: Our study aimed to identify whether anesthesiology is a desired specialty among medical students at King Abdulaziz University and what factors may have influenced or hindered their decision. Study Design: Cross‑sectional study. Study Setting: At King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia between June 8th, 2019 till June 25th, 2019. Methodology: An online questionnaire was distributed to all 700 5th and 6th year medical students at King Abdulaziz University Hospital and they were asked to fill it anonymously. Pre-clinical medical students (2nd, 3rd and 4th years) were excluded due to their lack of exposure to the field of anesthesiology. The estimated sample size was a random 248 medical students of KAUH. Results: Our results showed that the most preferred specialties were Internal medicine (37.9%), followed by surgery (35.5%), then family medicine (27%). While the field of anesthesiology was chosen by 14.5% of the participants. However, in response to a separate question, 79.8% of the respondents have not considered it as their future career. Many considered Doctor-patient relationship to have the greatest influence (81.7%), followed by controllable lifestyle (80%), while income 71% and prestige 63.2% were less influential factors for those career decisions. Conclusion: It is essential to show medical students that anesthesiologists do interact with patients and increase their interaction with influential individuals in this field since they are capable of positively adjusting their viewpoints.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed H Abduljabbar ◽  
Sara F Alnajjar ◽  
Hussein Alshamrani ◽  
Lujain F Bashamakh ◽  
Hisham Z Alshehri ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Medical undergraduates are the future doctors of the country. Therefore, determining how medical students choose their areas of specialty is essential to obtain a balanced distribution of physicians among all specialties. Although gender is a significant factor that affects specialty choice, the factors underlying gender differences in radiology are not fully elucidated. OBJECTIVE This study examined the factors that attracted medical students to and discouraged them from selecting diagnostic radiology and analyzed whether these factors differed between female and male medical students. METHODS This cross-sectional study conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, used an electronic questionnaire sent to medical students from all medical years during February 2018. Subgroup analyses for gender and radiology interest were performed using the chi-square test and Cramér’s V test. RESULTS In total, 539 students (276 women; 263 men) responded. The most common factor preventing students from choosing radiology as a career was the lack of direct patient contact, which deterred approximately 47% who decided against considering this specialty. Negative perceptions by other physicians (<i>P</i>&lt;.001), lack of acknowledgment by patients (<i>P</i>=.004), and lack of structured radiology rotations (<i>P</i>=.007) dissuaded significantly more male students than female students. Among those interested in radiology, more female students were attracted by job flexibility (<i>P</i>=.01), while more male students were attracted by focused patient interactions with minimal paperwork (<i>P</i>&lt;.001). CONCLUSIONS No significant difference was found between the genders in terms of considering radiology as a specialty. Misconception plays a central role in students’ judgment regarding radiology. Hence, early exposure to radiology, assuming a new teaching method, and using a curriculum that supports the active participation of students in a radiology rotation are needed to overcome this misconception.


Author(s):  
Anan A. Aljawi ◽  
Albandri A. Alahmari ◽  
Amaal M. Alharbi ◽  
Aseel T. Baflah ◽  
Fatimah A. Alhaddad ◽  
...  

Background: Visual discomfort or asthenopia is presented through unpleasant somatic and perceptual symptoms including headaches, fatigue, light sensitivity, blurred text, diplopia, movement of letters, and fading and impaired reading performance. Its etiology can be prolonged exposure to near work tasks such as reading or computer use. The American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus stated that vision problems could negatively affect learning. Objectives: To measure the prevalence of visual discomfort among the medical students at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) and evaluate its effect on their academic performance. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 at KAU in the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia with 417 medical students. The data were collected using an electronic questionnaire that was sent to their phone numbers. The statistical analyses were done using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software version 21. Results: The visual discomfort symptom scores demonstrated that 87% of the participants scored low, while 12.2% scored moderately; none of the participants scored high. We did not find any significant relationship between visual discomfort and students' cumulative GPA or GPA of the last semester. We noted that the most common visual discomfort symptoms were associated with reading and light sensitivity. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that visual discomfort symptoms did not affect the cumulative or last semester GPA.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulrahman Alfawzan ◽  
Omar Alfawzan ◽  
Reema Alessa ◽  
Abdulaziz Alturki ◽  
Kholoud Alshiha ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Learning style refers to how students prefer to receive, process and recall information. Research in academia suggests that different teaching strategies could have an impact on learning style. The study aims to identify the learning style of medical students in three different universities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Method: This cross-sectional study examined the learning preferences among medical students in basic science years in three universities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. By using consecutive sampling, we collected 316 responses. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic data and Index of Learning Style (ILS) instrument. Descriptive data were analyzed using chi-square by SPSS. Results Of the 316 participants, the male to female ratio was 1:1. Gender was associated with significant difference in the visual/verbal dimension (P = 0.034). Irrespective of college, most of the participants are primarily balanced in active/reflective (mean = 0.7), with slight shift toward sensing (mean =-3.2), visual (mean =-3.2), and sequential (-1.7). Significant differences between colleges were found in sensing/intuitive (P = 0.005) and sequential/global (P = 0.012) dimensions. There was no significant association between academic years with learning style in the three universities. Conclusion The study showed that age and GPA had no association with students’ learning styles, while gender was significantly correlated with the visual/verbal dimension. Most of the participants can learn alone, and/or in groups, and prefer visual illustrations supported by hands-on teaching in a stepwise process. It has also been shown that students in a single university tend to develop the same learning styles as they advance through the years.


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