scholarly journals Reducing Stress and Promoting Social Integration of International Medical Students through a Tandem Program: Results of a Prospective-Program Evaluation

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. 1959 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Herrmann-Werner ◽  
Florian Junne ◽  
Felicitas Stuber ◽  
Daniel Huhn ◽  
Christoph Nikendei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Social Integration ◽  
International Medical ◽  
Ability To Work ◽  
Curricular Intervention ◽  
National Medical ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
Medical Faculties ◽  
Reducing Stress

Medical students, and especially international medical students (IMS), have been shown to experience more psychological distress than the general student population in Germany. In order to address these issues, a structured Tandem Program (TP) to reduce stress and foster social integration of IMS has been introduced at the Medical Faculty of Tuebingen. The Tandem Program was evaluated prospectively with perceived stress (PSQ-20) as the main outcome. Secondary outcomes were ‘motives to participate’ in the TP, ‘specific stressors’, and ‘experiences made’ during the program. Stress levels of IMS at the beginning of the program (t0) (M = 48.14, SD = 11.95) were higher than those of German participants (M = 39.33, SD = 8.31) (t (67) = −3.66, p < 0.001). At the end of the TP (t1), stress levels of international students were significantly lower than at t0. “Improved ability to work in a team” was seen as one of the most beneficial factors. The results indicate that tandem programs at medical faculties may be a promising curricular intervention towards reducing stress levels, improving integration of international students, and to enhance intercultural and team-oriented competencies in both international and national medical students.

scholarly journals ІNTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS IN UKRAINE: CURRENT STATE OF PLAY AND PROSPECTS

2020 ◽  
pp. 60-70
Author(s):  
Natalia Mospan ◽  
Valentina Slipchuk
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
International Students ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Host Country ◽  
International Medical ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Research Results ◽  
National Medical ◽  
Current State ◽  
Medical University

The present study explores current state of play of international medical student population in Ukraine. Their number in national medical universities has been constantly rising since 2006. Ukraine is a country of international medical students’ destination for higher medical or pharmaceutical education. Ukraine is not only one of the biggest suppliers of international students to the European Union in European Higher Education Area, but it is also a host country for international students primarily from Asia and Africa. The survey aimed at studying international medical students’ current needs and perspectives was conducted at Bogomolets National Medical University in 2019. The university is chosen as it is situated in the capital city. Sample was composed of 60 first-year international medical students, chosen at a random. It allowed students to provide feedback on their country of origin, educational background, preferences, satisfaction in quality of educational service in a host country, ways of financing the study and future career plans. Among the reasons of international students’ choice of Ukraine as a place for study are their preference of the country, high quality education, friends’ advice and geographical location. The research results show that international medical students consider Ukraine not only as high quality medical education provider but as perspective country for postgraduate employment. The research results allow us to hypothesise that the current needs and perspectives of international medical students at one medical university are likely to be typical for other national medical universities and for Ukraine in whole. It is concluded, that increasing international students’ population requires regular monitoring and special researches by universities and government. These measures will make benefits in international university strategy and national educational policy coordination

scholarly journals International medical student’s mental health: psychological distress and socio-cultural adaptation

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Hachemi ◽  
M Dimitrijević ◽  
J Stojanović ◽  
S Cvjetković
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
International Students ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Cultural Adaptation ◽  
Foreign Students ◽  
Well Being ◽  
International Medical ◽  
Depression Anxiety Stress Scale ◽  
Future Health

Abstract Background The greater academic mobility and globalization have introduced a substantial number of foreign students to more universities. The lack of recent studies about their adaptation and signs of psychological distress arose an interest about this relevant issue. Recognizing the factors involved in the adaptation process are vital for international students, especially medical, as they are considered the future health-care workforce. Ensuring their well-being is essential for consumers safety, satisfaction and raising quality at lower costs. Thus, the aim of this research was to explore the predictors of psychological distress including socio-demographic variables and socio-cultural adaptation Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Belgrade School of Medicine, where 124 (65 males and 59 females) international students from 32 countries were interviewed using a socio-demographic questionnaire and psychometric tools such as Revised Socio-cultural Adaptation Scale (SCAS-R) and Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21). Statistical analysis included prevalence data and multiple linear regression. Results The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was found to be 39%, 55% and 41%, respectively. Maladaptation to a new environment by lack of participation in the community and focus on own interests were significant predictors of depression (β = −.39, p&lt; .01) and stress (β = −.36, p&lt; .05), while anxiety was associated with both female gender (β = −.30, p&lt;.05), self-centration and absence of community involvement (β = −.37, p&lt; .01). Conclusions There is a high prevalence of anxiety followed by stress and depression among international medical students. The results highlighted the importance of cultural adaptation for psychological distress. This shows a requirement for developing an adequate, accessible professional counselling and peer support services for foreign students that are necessary to achieve sustainable development goals. Key messages Encouraging researchers to further investigate the needs of international medical students. The development and implementation of health policies addressing student’s mental health.

scholarly journals Advances and problems of teaching physiology to foreign students according to credit-module system

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (3 (71)) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. V. Konovalov ◽  
O. V. Bohomaz
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Foreign Students ◽  
International Medical ◽  
National Medical ◽  
Performance Results ◽  
Medical University ◽  
Module System

The article generalizes the experience of Physiology teaching to foreign students at Pirogov Vinnytsia National Medical University according to credit-module system. The academic performance results of international medical students (with Russian as a medium of teaching) at the Normal Physiology department for six-year period (2008-2013) were analyzed.

scholarly journals Medical Students’ Stress Levels and Sense of Well Being after Six Weeks of Yoga and Meditation

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lona Prasad ◽  
Aneesha Varrey ◽  
Giovanni Sisti
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Personal Wellbeing ◽  
Reducing Stress

Objective. To determine the effect of six weeks of yoga and meditation on medical students’ levels of perceived stress and sense of wellbeing prior to taking their exams. Methods. We conducted a prospective case-control study of first-through-third-year medical students at our academic institution, measuring levels of perceived stress and sense of wellbeing before and after a six-week yoga and meditation intervention. Questionnaires used for evaluation included the perceived stress scale (PSS) and self-assessment surveys (SAS). The postintervention surveys were completed on the day of the students’ written exams. Results. A total of thirteen women and fourteen men participated. Median age was 28 (24 yrs–32 yrs). 48.1% were Caucasian, 7.4% Black, 11.1% Hispanic, 11.1% Asian, and 22.2% other. Paired t-tests showed a statistically significant reduction in perceived stress (18.44 versus 14.52; p=0.004) after the six-week yoga and meditation program. After the yoga intervention, self-assessment survey results showed a significant improvement in feelings of peace, focus, and endurance. Improvements in happiness, positivity, personal satisfaction, and self-confidence were also seen. An improvement in unsubstantiated parameters such as patience and fatigue was observed. Conclusion. Yoga and meditation may be effective in reducing stress levels and improving aspects of personal wellbeing in medical students.

scholarly journals Nutrition education in medical school: the case of international medical students in China

2020 ◽  
pp. bmjnph-2020-000117
Author(s):  
William Kwame Amakye ◽  
Sladana Bozovic ◽  
Arafat Faraque ◽  
Maojin Yao ◽  
Jiaoyan Ren
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Home Country ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
International Medical ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nutrition Counselling ◽  
Lactating Mothers ◽  
Country Specific

ObjectiveTo assess the knowledge on country-specific nutrition situation, perceptions of the nutrition curricula and factors influencing capacity to offer nutrition guidance among medical students studying internationally in China compared with their home-country counterparts.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingsChina, Ghana, India and Montenegro.ParticipantsInternational medical students in China and medical students studying in their home countries of Ghana, India and Montenegro.Main measureAn online semistructured questionnaire was administered using WeChat for international students and Microsoft Forms for home-country medical students to assess students’ perceived knowledge and significance of nutrition, knowledge of country-specific nutrition situation, perceptions of the nutrition curricula and perceived capacity to offer nutrition counselling.ResultIn all, 190 medical students responded to the survey: 110 international students studying in China and 80 home-country students from Ghana (40), India (20) and Montenegro (20). Home-country students rated the importance of nutrition in health and disease development higher than international students (p<0.05). International students reported not having any specific nutrition courses while home-country students had nutrition courses as part of their curriculum. Only 8.2% of international students and 13.8% of home-country students were able to correctly mention any specific national nutrition guidelines of their home countries. Home-country students were more likely to provide correct nutrition recommendations for infants (χ²(3)=26.349; p=0.001), pregnancy (χ²(3)=9.793; p=0.007), lactating mothers (χ²(3)=9.112; p=0.011), diabetes (χ²(3)=13.619; p=0.001), hypertension (χ²(3)=12.022; p=0.002), overweight/obesity (χ²(3)=8.896; p=0.012) and undernutrition (χ²(3)=7.670; p=0.022) compared with international students. Practical nutrition courses, hours of nutrition education and how often students were asked nutrition-related questions tended to affect and predict the adequacy of nutrition education received and the perceived confidence for nutrition counselling.ConclusionInternational medical students in China are less familiar with the nutrition context in their respective home countries compared with their home-country counterparts. Medical schools in China that train significant numbers of international students need to support these students to become familiar with their respective countries’ nutrition contexts.

International Students’ Experience of Medical Training in an English-Speaking European Country

2020 ◽  
pp. 102831532097602
Author(s):  
Alice McGarvey ◽  
Deepak Karivelil ◽  
Elaine Byrne
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Social Adjustment ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Medical Training ◽  
Cultural Practice ◽  
Professional Staff ◽  
International Medical ◽  
Multicultural Environment ◽  
The Impact

European medical schools are recruiting increasing numbers of international students. This study explores the impact of cultural backgrounds and language on the transition of international medical students to the clinical years of their training when they are predominantly based in hospitals and interacting with health professional staff and patients. A mixed-methods study was undertaken, incorporating 31 peer interviews and a focus group discussion and the development and conducting of an online survey ( n = 144; 50% response rate). We compared levels of social adjustment and integration between the students on a regional basis. Overall students adjusted well, but there were statistically significant regional differences in social adjustment and integration. The impact of communication difficulties from a language and cultural practice perspective was a dominant challenge highlighted, as was the differences in hospital culture and interprofessional communication norms. International medical students experience many challenges and benefits from studying in a multicultural environment. More nuanced demographic data need to be collected on admission to assist in potentially identifying those who may experience difficulties with academic and daily life transitions. In addition, all students in a multicultural environment would benefit from a program of acculturation for personal and career development.

scholarly journals A Comparison of Stress Perception in International and Local First Semester Medical Students Using Psychometric, Psychophysiological, and Humoral Methods

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. 2820 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Huhn ◽  
Carolin Schmid ◽  
Rebecca Erschens ◽  
Florian Junne ◽  
Anne Herrmann-Werner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
First Year ◽  
Professional Efficacy ◽  
First Semester ◽  
Hair Samples ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
Students First ◽  
Local Students ◽  
First Year Medical Students

(1) Medical doctors and medical students show increased psychological stress levels. International medical students seem to be particularly vulnerable. (2) We compared different methods of assessing stress levels in international and local first year medical students. First, study participants completed questionnaires related to stress, depression, empathy, and self-efficacy (MBI, PSQ, PHQ-9, JSPE-S, and GSE) at three separate points in time (T1 to T3). Second, their heart rate variabilities (HRVs) were recorded in an oral examination, a seminar, and in a relaxing situation. Third, hair samples were collected at the beginning and at the end of the semester to assess the cortisol concentration. (3) Included were 20 international and 20 local first semester medical students. At T1, we found considerable differences between international and local students in the JSPE-S; at T2 in the MBI factor “professional efficacy”, the PHQ-9, and in the JSPE-S; and at T3 in the MBI factors “cynicism” and “professional efficacy”, the PHQ-9, and in the JSPE-S. International and local students also differed concerning their HRVs during relaxation. Over the course of the semester, international students showed changes in the MBI factors “emotional exhaustion” and “professional efficacy”, the PHQ-9, and the GSE. Local students showed changes in the GSE. No effects were found for students’ hair cortisol concentrations. (4) All participants showed low levels of stress. However, while international students experienced their stress levels to decrease over the course of the semester, local students found their stress levels to increase.

scholarly journals Stress Factors and Depression Levels of International Medical Students in Bulgaria and Turkish Medical Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 55-64
Author(s):  
Merve Vatansever ◽  
Elia Georgieva ◽  
Angelika Velkova
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Medical Student ◽  
International Students ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
International Medical ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Education Medical ◽  
Medical University

Throughout medical education, medical students are reported to experience high levels of stress and depression. The aim of this study was to compare the stress factors and depression levels of medical students in Bulgaria and Turkey. This cross-sectional comparative study included 546 students (276 international students from abroad studying at the Medical University of Sofia in Bulgaria and 270 Turkish medical students). The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic questions, a Medical Student Stressor Questionnaire (MSSQ-40 items), and a Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The Turkish pre-clinical and clinical students had higher levels of stress and depression than the international pre-clinical medical students in Bulgaria. When the medical students were compared, 51.4% of the international medical students in Bulgaria and 28.5% of the Turkish medical students were found to be without depression. Moreover, 26.7% of the Turkish medical students and 12% of the international medical students in Bulgaria had moderate levels of depression. In addition, each domain of the MSSQ had a relationship with depression in both groups of medical students, with the exception of one domain (intrapersonal and interpersonal related stressors), which had no significant relationship with the depression scores of the Turkish clinical students. The findings of our study imply that medical students may need psychological support throughout their education, and this applies especially to Turkish medical students. Knowing the stress factors and depression levels that medical students experience plays an important role in determining the approaches to adopt to them.

scholarly journals Challenges and experiences to develop a Japanese language course for international medical students in Japan: Maximising acquisition of Japanese language by applying adult learning theories

2022 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-8
Author(s):  
Nagisa Shinagawa ◽  
Tomoaki Inada ◽  
Harumi Gomi ◽  
Haruko Akatsu ◽  
Motofumi Yoshida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Academic Success ◽  
International Students ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
International Medical ◽  
Japanese Language ◽  
Learning Theories ◽  
School Of Medicine

Introduction: The International University of Health and Welfare (IUHW) School of Medicine was founded in 2017 with the intention of providing medical content in English a historical first in Japan. Twenty international medical students have been accepted annually, with the majority possessing less than beginner level Japanese language proficiency at the time of enrolment. However, proficiency in Japanese, especially in the context of medicine is required for academic success and program completion. To address this, the IUHW School of Medicine has developed a course in medical Japanese with the objective of facilitating international students’ acquisition of medical Japanese and reinforcing such acquisition through various listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities. This study aims to describe the Japanese language education program for international students at the IUHW School of Medicine, with particular focus on the development of the curriculum and course content. Methods: The course is designed based on the following educational strategies and their applications: (a) Synchronisation of both medical and Japanese contents; (b) Collaborative learning; (c) Japanese output of medical content learned in English; (d) Practical output through making/giving a presentation and discussion with medical experts; (e) Detailed language feedback from language experts; (f) Reinforcing the vocabulary knowledge by writing; and (g) Building up vocabulary and expressions with relevant contents. Results: Our observations suggest that our international students have been able to continue their medical education in Japanese smoothly. Conclusion: The content-based instructional design that includes second language acquisition strategies may also be applicable to other Asian languages such as Korean and Chinese.

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