The Effectiveness of Online Education in Basic Medical Sciences Courses during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Study

Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) is an emerging pandemic that has caused significant disruptions to education, resulting in marked scholar closures across the world. The present study documents the student perception of the online educational process at six universities in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 lockdown period. The individual variable factors, i.e., institution, sex, and blended learning, that might influence student perception were also investigated. In this respect, a questionnaire that assessed the impact of COVID-19 on the online learning process and student perception was emailed to a total of 17,230 students from 3 institutions (medical, applied health and dental students) affiliated with six universities in Saudi Arabia. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to determine the validity of the questionnaire. A total of 4850 (28%) students responded to the questionnaire and 46.9% (n = 2275) of the respondents were highly satisfied with their online education. Analyses of the scores from the students showed a highly significant difference (p = 0.000) between the male and female students. Applied health students (highly satisfied score = 63.13) were the most satisfied with their online education, while medical students (highly satisfied score = 39.3) were the least satisfied with this education. In addition, applied health, dental and medical students showed a significantly higher score in favor of blended learning after schools re-open (p = 0.000). Collectively, student satisfaction with online education was common, and blended learning was preferred over the traditional format by both genders and all the students. The present data provide interesting contributions and evidence for policy makers and implementers, which might be helpful for the judgment side of decision making.

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Impact of COVID-19 on the Educational Process in Saudi Arabia: A Technology–Organization–Environment Framework

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13137103 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (13) ◽

pp. 7103

Author(s):

Khloud Alshaikh ◽

Shaikhah Maasher ◽

Afnan Bayazed ◽

Farrukh Saleem ◽

Sahar Badri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Online Education ◽

Educational Process ◽

Educational Institutions ◽

Disruptive Effect ◽

Ministry Of Education ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Postgraduate Students ◽

The Impact

The lockdown of universities and educational institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the educational process. Saudi Arabia became a forerunner during COVID-19 by taking initial precautions of curfews and total restrictions. However, these restrictions had a disruptive effect on various sectors, specifically the educational sector. The Ministry of Education strived to cope with the consequences of these changes swiftly by shifting to online education. This paper aims to study the impact of COVID-19 on the educational process through a comparative study of the responses collected from different cases, and the challenges that are faced throughout the educational process. The study conducted a cross-sectional, self-administered online questionnaire during the outbreak and distance learning, which was designed based on the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework of students. Most questions used a five-point Likert scale. The responses were randomly collected from 150 undergraduate and postgraduate students who were studying in Saudi Arabian universities, to study the overall performance of education institutions during COVID-19. The collected data were analyzed and compared to the results in the literature. The main factors impacted by this transformation are addressed. These factors are based on research and observations and aim to overcome the encountered limitations and to present their level of impact on distance education. The research framework can be useful for higher educational authorities aiming to overcome the issues highlighted and discussed in this study.

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Oral Hygiene Practice And Perceived Oral Malodour Among Dental And Medical Undergraduate Students Of Bahria University Medical And Dental College

Journal of Bahria University Medical and Dental College ◽

10.51985/jbumdc2018057 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 08 (04) ◽

pp. 221-225

Author(s):

Beenish Fatima Alam ◽

Hira Raza ◽

Shizma junejo ◽

Marium Azfar ◽

Tuba Saleem ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Oral Hygiene ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Dental Students ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Medical Undergraduate ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Medical Undergraduate Students

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.

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Effects of nomophobia on anxiety, stress and depression among Saudi medical students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association ◽

10.47391/jpma.983 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Nusrat Bano ◽

Muhammad Anwar Khan ◽

Uzma Asif ◽

Jennifer de Beer ◽

Hawazen Rawass ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Medical Students ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Prevalence Of Depression ◽

Anxiety Depression ◽

Severe Anxiety ◽

Different Levels

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.

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The impact of consanguinity on women's attitudes toward molecular testing of breast cancer in Saudi Arabia

Breast Cancer Management ◽

10.2217/bmt-2021-0002 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. BMT57

Author(s):

Bandar A Suliman

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Saudi Arabia ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Molecular Testing ◽

Adult Women ◽

Community Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Saudi Women ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Impact

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in adult women in Saudi Arabia; however, awareness about molecular testing for breast cancer is insufficient. The authors aimed to assess knowledge and attitudes to determine sociodemographic factors that correlate with perceptions of genetic testing among Saudi women. Materials & methods: This cross-sectional community-based study used a questionnaire to investigate the relationships between various social and economic factors. Results: There was a significant difference in interest in undergoing molecular testing between women in consanguineous and non-consanguineous marriages. Conclusion: The data show that consanguinity adds an extra layer of complexity to other sociodemographic barriers that hinder the efficacy of early breast cancer detection and prevention programs in Saudi Arabia.

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Exploring the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Hepatitis B Infection Among Dental Students in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences ◽

10.3889/oamjms.2019.111 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (5) ◽

pp. 805-809 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Shahabe Saquib ◽

Weam Ibrahim ◽

Ali Othman ◽

Mohammed Assiri ◽

Hamoud Al-Shahri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Hepatitis B ◽

Dental Students ◽

High Risk Group ◽

P Value ◽

Hepatitis B Infection ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitude And Practice ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Knowledge Attitude And Practice

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B infection is a universal health problem. Worldwide, 5% of health-care-related injections continued unsafe. Dentist considers being at high-risk group for cross infection. Therefore, their knowledge and practice towards Hepatitis B virus (HBV) positive patients should be at an optimal level. AIM: The current study is aimed to evaluate and comparison of the knowledge, attitude and practice of Saudi dental students and interns towards HBV infection. METHODS: A self-explanatory questionnaire comprising of 16 questions was designed to assess and compare students’ knowledge, attitude and risk perception regarding hepatitis B infection among dental students across Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: The response rate was 91.6% the overall knowledge of the participants was poor. The attitude was fair, with the female show a significant difference in attitude and practice (P-value < 0.05). The overall practice was good, 78.1% was vaccinated against HBV, and 73.2% stated that they regularly use personal protection equipment. The higher levels show a good attitude and practice compared with the lower levels; the difference was significant (P value < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The overall knowledge was below average, continuous health education courses are mandatory.

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Knowledge and Attitudes Towards First Aid Measures Among Medical Students at Al-Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal [SQUMJ] ◽

10.18295/squmj.2018.18.04.013 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 507

Author(s):

Abdulrahman Alshuwayrikh ◽

Abdulrahman Aljethaily ◽

Faris Alosaimi ◽

Osama Alshaya ◽

Abdullah Alasmari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Medical Students ◽

Response Rate ◽

First Aid ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Attitude Score ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Knowledge And Attitudes ◽

Validated Questionnaire ◽

Significant Difference

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.

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Recall of Theoretical Pharmacology Knowledge by 6th Year Medical Students and Interns of Three Medical Schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Education Research International ◽

10.1155/2016/5374653 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

A. A. Mustafa ◽

H. A. Alassiry ◽

A. Al-Turki ◽

N. Alamri ◽

N. A. Alhamdan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Medical Students ◽

Problem Based Learning ◽

Medical Schools ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Multiple Choice Questions ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Correct Score ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Learning School

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.

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

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal [SQUMJ] ◽

10.18295/squmj.2019.19.01.007 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 32

Author(s):

Ahmed M. Basakran ◽

Maysaa A. Banjari ◽

Malak A. Almarghoub ◽

Elaf M. Alzarnougi

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Medical Students ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Research Project ◽

Research Practices ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Medical Graduates ◽

Research Activities ◽

Significant Difference ◽

King Abdulaziz University

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.

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The Influence of Gender on the Choice of Radiology as a Specialty Among Medical Students in Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Study

Interactive Journal of Medical Research ◽

10.2196/14666 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. e14666 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ahmed H Abduljabbar ◽

Sara F Alnajjar ◽

Hussein Alshamrani ◽

Lujain F Bashamakh ◽

Hisham Z Alshehri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Medical Students ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Specialty Choice ◽

Female Students ◽

University Hospital ◽

Male Students ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference

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.

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Effect of clinical rotation on attitude of medical students towards psychiatry and mental patients: a cross-sectional study from Western Rajasthan

International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences ◽

10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20213919 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 2981

Author(s):

Aditi Agrawal ◽

Sanjay Gehlot ◽

Ashok Singhal ◽

Amandeep .

Keyword(s):

Mental Illness ◽

Medical Students ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Mental Illnesses ◽

Urban Setting ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Undergraduate Medical Students ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Impact

Background: People with mental illnesses experience extreme stigmatization and discrimination despite their ubiquitous presentation. Studies have reported that these negative stereotypes are shared by health care professionals too. Attitude of undergraduate medical students towards psychiatry is vital as it reflects their willingness to deal with psychiatric and behavioral disorders in general practice.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a government medical college in Rajasthan to explore the impact of sociodemographic variables and undergraduate psychiatry training on the attitude of medical students towards mental illness and psychiatry. 105 first year MBBS students and 75 interns participated in the study. Attitude towards mental illness (AMI) scale and attitude towards psychiatry-30 (ATP-30) scale were used to document AMI and ATP respectively. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS statistical software and appropriate tests were used to compare mean scores of both groups.Results: There was no statistically significant difference on AMI and ATP scores between the undergraduate medical students and interns. Females, students belonging to urban setting and more educated families had a favorable attitude towards psychiatric patients. A notable shift in scores on ATP scale towards positive side was reflected between male MBBS students and interns and among students coming from rural background with exposure to medical curriculum.Conclusions: No attitude change was observed in majority of participants indicating need for greater emphasis on mental health and psychiatry.

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