scholarly journals Prevalence of Substance Use among Undergraduate Students in a Medical College of Nepal

2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (219) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramayan Kushwaha ◽  
Gajendra Prasad Rauniar ◽  
Bhawesh Koirala ◽  
Namita Kumari Mandal

Introduction: The consumption of substances is a common practice among the medical students and their use might reduce educational and clinical performances as well as judgment of the students. This study aims to find out the prevalence of substance use among medical students in BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among medical students of BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences from 15th September 15th to December 15th 2018 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee (Ref: 1394/017). The study was conducted among 326 medical and dental students from first to fifth year by using the stratified sampling method. A self-reported questionnaire was developed which included types, frequency, duration, age to first use, and motives for the use of different substances. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 11.5. Results: The prevalence of substance use among medical students of BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences was 196 (61.4%) at 95% Confidence Interval (56.05-66.75%). Among substance use, the use of alcohol 190 (59.6%), tobacco 90 (28.2%), and marijuana 38 (11.9%) was more prevalent. One hundred forty four (45.2%) male students used more substances as compared to 52 (16.3%) female students. Fun sake or partying 131 (68.9%) was the main motivation of the students to use substances. Conclusions: The overall substance use among medical students was high compared to other studies. Alcohol was the most common substance misused by the student followed by tobacco and marijuana. Proper counseling and awareness programs about the potential risk of substances are recommended for the betterment of the students.

2018 ◽  
Vol 08 (04) ◽  
pp. 221-225
Author(s):  
Beenish Fatima Alam ◽  
Hira Raza ◽  
Shizma junejo ◽  
Marium Azfar ◽  
Tuba Saleem ◽  
...  

Objective: To determine the differences of self-perception of halitosis and oral hygiene practices among the medical and dental undergraduate students. Methodology: A cross-sectional study conducted over duration of 9 months amongst the medical and dental undergraduate students of Bahria University Medical and Dental College. The questionnaires were distributed to 298 students. Questionnaire employed for this study was adopted and modified from the study conducted by Khalid Almas et al. Descriptive statistics were checked by means of percentages and frequency for all variables. Chi-square test was applied to check significant difference among the responses given by the medical and dental undergraduate students. Results: The response rate for the survey was about 85%. 55% of dental and 17 % of medical students were able to smell their breath. About having examination by dentist about 73% of medical students agreed as compared to 53% of dental students. Both medical and dental students preferred having examination done by the dentist. For management of halitosis, dentist was preferred by 62% of the dental students, while 97% of the medical students did not agree. 62% of the dental students preferred using traditional medications, while 82% of the medical students preferred using self-medications for treatment. Conclusion: The results suggest that there is not a high level of agreement among dental and medical students concerning the detection and management of halitosis. Although large percent of the respondents claimed to be aware of dentistry, our findings revealed low level of knowledge and attitude to Dentistry by the medical undergraduate students. Efforts should be made towards closing this knowledge gap to attain effective oral health.


2017 ◽  
Vol 07 (01) ◽  
pp. 007-011
Author(s):  
Sanjay Kini ◽  
Muthukumar R. ◽  
Rakesh G. Maiya ◽  
Nishanth Krishna K. ◽  
N. Udaya Kiran

Abstract Introduction: Research experience gained by medical students during their under graduate tenure plays a significant role in their future endeavours in the field of medical research. The present study was a cross-sectional study conducted to know the attitudes and perceptions towards research among final year medical students in a private medical college. Methods: A total of 220 students participated in the study. Results: The majority of the students agreed that research is important in the medical field (88.6%, 195/220). The majority also believed that research methodology to be part of medical curriculum (72.7%, 160/220). 31.8% (70/220) felt that Research methodology will be helpful to enter competitive exams (USMLE, PLAB). The barriers for conducting research as believed by students were: Lack of interest (32.7%, 72/220), Lack of time (31.4%, 135/220), Inadequate knowledge about research methodology (51.4%, 113/230), Lack of guidance by faculties (27.7%, 61/220), Lack of research curriculum (34.1%, 75/230) Inadequate facilities for research (35.5%, 78/220), Inadequate financial support (30.9%, 68/220) and others 2.9% (6/220). Of the participating students, 23.2% (51/220) participated in research during medical school, while 76.8% (179/220) did not. Conclusion: Medical colleges should emphasize more on research among the undergraduate students. There is a need to reform the medical curriculum with more weightage towards research methodology.


2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (229) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kumar Roka ◽  
Sabina Khadka ◽  
Sanju Dahal ◽  
Meenakshi Yadav ◽  
Puja Thapa ◽  
...  

Introduction: Excessive Daytime Sleepiness is a significant health problem among medical students worldwide which can impair their cognitive and academic performances. Our study aims to determine the prevalence of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness among the first to fourth year undergraduate students of the Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences-College of Medicine. Methods: Following the ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee with registration no. 317, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the first to fourth year medical students of the Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences-College of Medicine from 4" to 10" August 2020. Two hundred and thirty-two students were selected for the study using the stratified random sampling technique. Epworth Sleepiness Scale was used to obtain data on daytime sleepiness among the study participants. The data were entered into Google spreadsheets and later analyzed. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with the frequency and proportion for binary data. Results: The prevalence of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness among the first to fourth year undergraduate students of the Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences-College of Medicine is found to be 67 (31.02%) at 95% Confidence Interval (24.85-37.19). It was found to be highly prevalent among the fourth year undergraduate medical students 20 (35.09%) and least prevalent among the first year students 13 (26.00%). Excessive Daytime Sleepiness was found to be slightly higher among females 23 (34.85%) than males 44 (29.33%). Conclusions: Excessive Daytime Sleepinessis highly prevalent among medical students in our study as suggested by various international studies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (11) ◽  
pp. 1561-1565
Author(s):  
Sehrish Shafique ◽  
Naveed Faraz ◽  
Hina Wasti ◽  
Ambreen Surti

Objective: To find out the frequency of Bowel Syndrome (IBS) among medical students according to ROME 111 criteria. To find out the frequency of common subtypes of IBS among the IBS positive medical students. To observe the association between anxiety, depression, and irritable bowel syndrome according to HAD scale. Study Design: Cross Sectional study. Setting: Medical Students of BUMDC. Period: September to November 2020. Material & Methods: The study was conducted among the medical students at a private medical college in Karachi. Ethical approval taken. After taking consent questionnaires were given. The total students with irritable bowel syndrome were presented by their frequencies, then finding were analyzed using ROME 111 and HAD scale. Results: A total of 370 students were included after considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. Out of which 152 students (41%) were found to have irritable bowel syndrome according to ROME 111 criteria. The most common IBS subtypes seen in our study was IBS –D (diarrhea) 80. Among those students diagnosed with IBS, anxiety was positive in 100 students while depression was seen in 5 students according to HAD scale. Conclusion: This study concludes that medical students are more prone to develop IBS which is aggravated by stress related anxiety for having extensive curriculum and pressure from the peers of having good score in exam among intellectual section of the society which is not an easy task to cope up.


2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Challa Venkata Suresh

The prevalence of psychological disturbances in medical undergraduate students has been reported from various countries. Very few studies regarding student distress reported from India. Therefore, we conducted this study to determine the presence of depression, anxiety and stress among medical students in MNR Medical College, Sangareddy, Telengana. In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 257 students from MNR Medical College after obtaining written voluntary consent. DASS 42 questionnaire was used to collect information on basic demographic. Scores for each of the respondents were calculated as per the severity- rating index. Data was analysed by SPSS 20.0. DASS scores were slightly higher in males than female, but it was not statistically significant. Depression, anxiety and stress in students has high negative effect in their social and personal lives. So there is a need for urgent attention to the psychological well-being of undergraduate medical students to improve their life style.


Author(s):  
Arulkavi Arumugam ◽  
Velavan Anandan ◽  
Anil J. Purty

Background: To find the characteristics of an effective medical teacher, as perceived by the under graduate medical students who are at different stages of the MBBS course.Methods: A cross sectional study was done among all the undergraduate medical students studying in a medical college and hospital in Puducherry. The undergraduate students were visited in batches and students were explained regarding objectives and those who consented for the study were administered with a validated and pretested questionnaire in line with the objective of the study. The results are expressed in the form of proportions and percentages and the chi-square-test was used to test the significance of difference observed between different batches of studentResults: The most important qualities perceived by the students for being an effective medical teacher are creating interest in the subject, having good communication skills, providing good resource material, inspiring and motivating students, being easily approachable, respecting students/ patients / other staff, being enthusiastic, energetic and good listener. There is a significant difference in the perceived importance among different batch of students in the domain of teaching skills of a medical teacherConclusions: This study identified qualities of medical teachers related to their teaching skills, usage of teaching learning methods, approach towards students and their personal qualities that are perceived to be more important by medical students.


2021 ◽  
Vol 59 (240) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanzida Khatun ◽  
Diwakar Kumar Shah

Introduction: The main blood supply for arm is provided by the brachial artery. It shows variation in branching and termination patterns in some individuals. Variation in brachial artery may cause difficulties during various clinical and surgical procedures. The present study aims to find out the prevalence of higher termination of brachial artery in cadavers in the department of anatomy of a medical college. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from 10th January 2020 to 20th April 2021 after the ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee of Nobel Medical College (reference number: IRC-NMCTH 280/2020). The study was done in 58 upper limbs of 29 properly embalmed cadavers. Convenient sampling was done. They were carefully dissected. The level of termination of brachial artery was noted. The length of the brachial artery and the distance between its termination and the intercondylar line of humerus was recorded. Results: Higher termination of brachial artery was observed in 3 (5.17%) extremities; one (1.72%) at middle third of arm and two (3.45%) at lower third of arm. In 52 (89.66%) extremities, the site of termination was at the level of neck of radius. The brachial artery terminated a few centimeters below its usual site at the level of upper part of shaft of the radius in 3 (5.17%) extremities. Conclusions: The prevalence of higher termination of brachial artery in cadavers is slightly lower than the studies performed in similar settings. It is not an uncommon finding. It may have impact on clinical and surgical procedures.


Author(s):  
Afzal Hakim ◽  
Himani Tak ◽  
Savitri Nagar ◽  
Suman Bhansali

Background: Anxiety and depression are worldwide problems which reflect the mental health of the population. A lot of researches have reported anxiety and depression among medical students as they are going to suffer from academic stressors such as information input overload, lack of leisure time and academic evaluation. The present study was aimed to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression in undergraduate medical students; to find association between presence depression/anxiety and socio-demographic factors; to find correlation between depression and anxiety scores. Methods: The cross-sectional study was carried out at Dr. S. N. Medical College, Jodhpur. 426 undergraduate students were selected by simple random sampling. After obtaining informed written consent, students were given self-reporting questionnaire which included socio-demographic details, PHQ-9 and GAD-7. Results: 247 (57.98%) students were found to have depression. 103 (24.17%) students scored ≥10 on PHQ-9 indicating a need for further clinical evaluation. Anxiety was found to be present in 202 (47.41%) students. Presence of depression was associated with history of mental illness in family, any co-morbidities present in student and type of family. Anxiety was associated with medium of language students studied until senior secondary education and type of family. Significant positive correlation was observed between depression and anxiety scores. Conclusions: There is a need for conducting regular psychiatric evaluations and counselling for medical students so that presence of mental disorders can be detected early in their course prompting immediate treatment. 


2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (225) ◽  
Author(s):  
Namita Kumari Mandal ◽  
Gajendra Prasad Rauniyar ◽  
Dilli Sher Rai ◽  
Dipesh Raj Panday ◽  
Ramayan Kushwaha ◽  
...  

Introduction: Self-medication plays significant role in the development of adverse drug reactions,antibiotic resistance, and masking of underlying diseases. Medical students have some knowledgeabout the use of antibiotics and have a higher chance of irrational and injudicious use. This studyaims to find the prevalence of self-medication practice of antibiotics among medical and dentalundergraduate students. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done among medical and dental undergraduatestudents from the first year to the fifth year at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences from 1st June2018 to 30th August 2018. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee(IRC/1210/018). Whole sampling was done. Data was collected using a self-responding, semistructured questionnaire and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 11.5. Results: In total 558 students, the prevalence of self-medication practice of different antibioticswas 285 (51.1%) within the past year. Among self-medicated students, 152 (53.3%) were males. Thecommon drug self-medicated was Azithromycin 80 (28.1%) and the common medical condition touse non-prescription antibiotics was for treatment of sore throat with runny nose 129 (45.3%). Themain source for obtaining non-prescription antibiotics were retail pharmacies 157 (55.1%). Conclusions: Self-medication with antibiotics was at increasing rate with each succeeding yearsof the medical courses. Medical students should be made aware of the rational use of antibioticsby incorporating appropriate courses in their academic curriculum for more refined practice onantibiotics rather than advancement of theoretical knowledge alone.


Author(s):  
Himanshu Jaiswal ◽  
Sonam Jain ◽  
Shreyansh Jaiswal

Abstract Aim: The aim of this article is to compare substance use and abuse in medical students of a tertiary care hospital involved in various undergraduate and postgraduate teaching programs. Materials and methods: Using a structured epidemiological survey questionnaire for psychoactive substance use based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-IV criteria, 50 medical students in the first year and 50 medical students in the final year were compared. Results: One-fourth of all students reported nonmedical substance use. The substances used were alcohol, tobacco smoking, caffeine, etc. Most frequent substance use was alcohol and tobacco smoking due to easy availability. Their use mostly began after entry into medical college. Also, it was for a longer duration in final year students. Conclusion: Substance use disorders among medical students should be taken more seriously because they may influence their professional behavior. A well-planned program should be designed and implemented to train the medical students helping them develop coping skills and educating them about social, legal, and ethical impacts of substance use.


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