scholarly journals University of the Free State medical students' view of at-risk drinking behaviour and psychoactive substance use

2009 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Smit ◽  
P J Pretorius ◽  
G Joubert
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Alcohol Intake ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Free State ◽  
Drinking Behaviour ◽  
Drinking Patterns ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional

<p><strong>Objectives:</strong> To investigate undergraduate medical students' knowledge of at-risk drinking behaviour and their own patterns of alcohol intake. The use of non-alcoholic psychoactive substances was also investigated.</p><p><strong>Design:</strong> A cross-sectional study design was used. A self-administered anonymous questionnaire was completed by participants. Questionnaires were designed using the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for identifying at-risk drinking.</p><p><strong>Setting:</strong> The School of Medicine, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein.</p><p><strong>Subjects:</strong> Participants included first-, fourth- and fifth-year medical students enrolled in 2006. <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Results:</strong> 371/408 (90.9%) questionnaires were returned. 10% of students who repeated an academic year ascribed it to substance use. The majority of students conservatively estimated the maximum daily and weekly safe levels of alcohol consumption for both men and women as notably lower than recommended by the guidelines. Nevertheless, 32% of students admitted to alcohol intake exceeding these limits, and 55.3% were identified as at-risk drinkers. Marijuana was the most common non-alcoholic substance used by medical students (14.6%) in the preceding three years. Alcohol or other substances was most frequently used during social activities with friends.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Medical students' knowledge of levels of alcohol intake associated with increased risks and their own drinking patterns might influence their approach to patients with alcohol-related problems. Therefore, education regarding at-risk drinking behaviour requires to be addressed.</p>

scholarly journals Non-medical use of methylphenidate among medical students of the University of the Free State

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roshini Jain ◽  
Ch Chiech Chang ◽  
Mpho Koto ◽  
Alden Geldenhuys ◽  
Richard Nichol ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical Curriculum ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Free State ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Questionnaire Response ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Training Programmes ◽  
The University

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Faced with demanding training programmes, medical students may be more prone to use methylphenidate for non-medical purposes in order to improve concentration, alertness and academic performance.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of the non-medical use of methylphenidate and knowledge of this drug among undergraduate medical students of the University of the Free State.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> This was a cross-sectional study. A self-administered, anonymous questionnaire was distributed during lectures to all students in the five year groups of the undergraduate medical programme.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Of the 643 undergraduate medical students, 541 completed the questionnaire (response rate: 84.1%). Approximately 11.0% of surveyed students were using methylphenidate at the time of the study, of which the majority (67.9%) used it for academic purposes and 70.6% received it from a medical health professional. Less than a third of users had been diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Methylphenidate users’ median knowledge was greater than non-users, and methylphenidate knowledge increased from first-year and second-year students to third-year to fifth-year students. Median knowledge scores per year group ranged from 52.0% to 60.0%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Methylphenidate is mainly used for non-medical purposes by medical students. Students generally have a low level of knowledge on methylphenidate. Specific information on methylphenidate should be included in lectures on stress management and study methods during the course of the medical curriculum.</p>

scholarly journals Undergraduate medical students’ interest in specialising in Family Medicine at the University of the Free State, 2014

2017 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 37
Author(s):  
D T Hagemeister ◽  
A Pal ◽  
U Kristen ◽  
N Mokgosana ◽  
G Joubert
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Family Medicine ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Medical Curriculum ◽  
Poor Response ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Free State ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The University

Background: There is a large demand for Family Medicine specialists, yet not enough medical students specialise in this field. This study investigated the interest of undergraduate medical students at the University of the Free State in pursuing a career in Family Medicine, factors associated with this interest, and their opinion of Family Medicine as a specialty. Methods: In this prospective cross-sectional study, anonymous, self-reporting questionnaires, available in English and Afrikaans, were distributed to first- to fifth-year undergraduates. Data were collected on demographic variables and interest in Family Medicine and other disciplines. The students had to rate the likelihood of them selecting 15 different specialties as a future career according to a five-point Likert scale. Opinions concerning Family Medicine were tested with a yes/no response as to the agreement to five statements. Results: Fifth-year students were excluded due to poor response rate (13.6%). The response rate for the first- to fourth-year groups was 86.4%. Interest in Family Medicine decreased from first to third year (22.4, 21.2 and 14.0%, respectively), but increased again in the fourth year (23.3%). Females and speakers of African languages showed the most interest in this field. Medical students, especially first years, generally had poor knowledge regarding Family Medicine. Conclusion: Family Medicine is not a preferred specialty in any of the four year groups, and students had insufficient knowledge of the field. Family Medicine should be introduced earlier into the medical curriculum. (Full text of the research articles are available online at www.medpharm.tandfonline.com/ojfp) S Afr Fam Pract 2017; DOI: 10.1080/20786190.2017.1317977

scholarly journals Study of tobacco and alcohol consumption among students of a medical college in a city of Maharashtra

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (7) ◽  
pp. 2922
Author(s):  
Arvind V. Gaikwad ◽  
Rashmi Priya ◽  
Vishal S. Dhande ◽  
Mohan K. Doibale
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Peer Pressure ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical College ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Allowable Error

Background: Over the years, substance use has increased drastically in every section of the society. Tobacco and alcohol consumption in medical fraternity is quite common. The objectives of the study were to find out the prevalence of tobacco and alcohol consumption in medical students and to find out various reasons to start these habits.Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted in Government Medical College, Aurangabad during September to November 2018. Study was conducted amongst undergraduate MBBS students. Taking prevalence as 47%, allowable error 10% and 10% non-respondents the sample size comes as 85. By lottery method, third year medical students were selected randomly for the study. Completed data from 120 students were included in the study. Pre-designed semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Trial version of SPSS software was used for statistical analysis.Results: In the present study, overall prevalence of substance use among undergraduate MBBS students was found to be 52.5% out of which 61.6% were males and 29.4% were females. Peer pressure was the main reason of continuing the habit (93.2%). 66% of these substance users showed willingness to quit the habit.Conclusions: High prevalence of tobacco and alcohol consumption was observed among undergraduate medical students.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Pattern of Substance Use among Undergraduate Medical Students at Birat Medical College and Teaching Hospital

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1392-1395
Author(s):  
Rajesh Kumar Shah ◽  
Sidarth Timsinha ◽  
Sanjib Kumar Sah ◽  
Umesh Kumar Mehta ◽  
Raju Kumar Chaudhary
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Sociodemographic Profile ◽  
Convenience Sampling

Introduction: Medical students encounter a constant pressure of academic and clinical activities, as well as easy access to drugs which could enable them to use different substances. Medical students who use substances can endanger others by losing sound judgment, failing to take responsibility, and causing harm to service recipients. Objective: The study was aimed to find out the prevalence and pattern of substance use among undergraduate medical students of Birat Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Nepal. Methodology: This hospital based cross sectional study was carried out from January 2021 to February 2021 at Birat Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Morang Nepal. A total of 207 subjects were included in the study, which was selected using convenience sampling. All participants were given a self-prepared semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire in order to gather information about their sociodemographic profile and pattern of substance use. Result: The overall prevalence of substance use among students of BMCTH was 59 (28.50%) (n=207). Males were significantly associated with substance use than females (P < 0.001). Prevalence of substance use were maximum among final year students 26(76.47%). The most common used substance was alcohol 49 (83.05%) followed by tobacco smoking 24 (40.67%) and cannabis 11 (18.64%).Curiosity of experience 39 (35.77%) and seeking pleasure 19 (17.43%) were the main reason of substance use among students. Conclusion: In this study students were found to be involved in some form of substance use, with many of them initiating after enrolling in medical school. Majority of students used for the sake of fun which they use as a source of entertainment to deviate their minds from the pressure of studies.

Awareness of basic life support among undergraduate medical students in Syria, Iraq and Jordan: a cross sectional study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Nour Shashaa ◽  
Mohamad Shadi Alkarrash ◽  
Mohammad Nour Kitaz ◽  
Roaa Rhayim ◽  
Mohammed Ismail ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Basic Life Support ◽  
Life Support ◽  
Clinical Stage ◽  
Sudden Cardiac Arrest ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background Sudden cardiac arrest considers one of the most leading cause for death in all over the world. It is important for all medical students to train basic life support. This study evaluated the awareness of basic life support among medical students. Methods An electronic questionnaire based cross sectional study was conducted in November 2020 among 2114 medical student in Syria, Iraq and Jordan. We evaluated BLS skills according to mean score. A chi-squared test was used to determine if there were differences between those who attended a basic life support course and those who did not. Results 1656 of the participants (78.3%) stated that they did not attend a basic life support course. There was a significant difference between the participants from different countries where the mean score in Syria, Jordan and Iraq was 18.3, 24.3 and 18.8 respectively (p < 0.05). The participants were divided into 3 level according to total score; low (0–12), moderate (13–24) and high (25–37). In total, 18.3%, 72.8% and 8.9% of participants had high, intermediate and low level respectively. Conclusions The overall knowledge of basic life support among medical students is not adequate and need significant improvements. This study showed that an attendance a basic life support course previously had an effect on knowledge level. Hence, there is an urgent need to apply basic life support courses into the pre-clinical stage at universities.

Internet Addiction and the Pattern of Internet Use among Under Graduate Medical Students: A Cross- Sectional Study from North India

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priyanka . ◽  
R K Pal
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Internet Addiction ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
North India ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significance Level

Introduction: Excessive use of the Internet affects the academic achievements of students. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Internet addiction and the pattern of Internet use among undergraduate medical students. Method: This analytical cross-sectional study conducted on 177 undergraduate medical students in batch 2016, 2017 and 2018, who were included in this study by convenience sampling method. The study tool was  Young’s Internet Addiction Test containing questions regarding the pattern of Internet use. Data entry and analysis was done by using Microsoft excel and SPSS version 21. Qualitative data were described in terms of frequency and percentage while quantitative data were expressed as mean and standard deviation. Chi square test and multiple linear regression were used to find out the relationship between various factors and Internet Addiction (IA).  The significance level was considered 0.05. Results: The mean age of the participants was 20.3 years (± 1.19), and 62 % of the subjects were males. The prevalence rate of Internet Addiction (IA) was found to be 56.5% and 42.9% of them were in mild and 13.6% were in moderate addiction category. Being male (β= -0.143, p=0.038), staying at a hostel (β= 0.167, p=0.018), not having a time preference for using the Internet (β= -0.174, p=0.012), spending more time on the Internet everyday (β= 0.201, p=0.000), being always online (β= 0.276, p=0.000) and more years of using the Internet (β= 0.175, p=0.015) were significantly related with IA in students. Conclusion: A large proportion of medical students were found to be addicted to the Internet. Therefore, this issue should be addressed immediately.

scholarly journals Awareness and perception of budding doctors: A focal scenario on eye donation

1970 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 141-150
Author(s):  
Mausumi Basu ◽  
Palash Das ◽  
Biman Roy ◽  
Jayanta Kumar Baruah
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Corneal Transplantation ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Proper Training ◽  
Sight Restoration ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Perceived Reasons ◽  
Eye Donation

Background: Diseases affecting the cornea constitute a major cause of blindness. Corneal transplantation offers the potential for sight restoration. Due to non-availability of healthy cornea, many people continue to live in a dark world.Objectives: To assess the awareness and perception of undergraduate medical students towards eye donation.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students of Kolkata on August 2010 using a pre-designed, pre-tested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Epi-info software package version 6.04.Results: Almost all (98.9%) participants knew that eyes can be donated and 70.8% were aware at the time of eye collection. However, only 43.7% respondents knew whom to approach for pledging their eyes for donation; 80.7% were either willing (76.0%) or had already pledged (4.7%) to donate their eyes. Television was the major source (78.1%) of information on eye donation. Nobility was the main motivation (87.7%) and 75.5% felt the need for helping the blind. Of these medical students, 19.3% were unaware and did not pledge eye donation due to objection by family members and dislike of the idea of separating their eyes.Conclusion: The present study revealed that medical students were well aware of eye donation with a favorable attitude towards it and most of them were inclined to pledge for eye donation. The perceived reasons for not donating eyes need to be considered while creating awareness about eye donation in the community. Students can be actively involved as volunteers in eye donation campaigns and after proper training in counselling techniques, they can act as counsellors for eye donation activities.

scholarly journals Medical students' knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to substance use in Lebanon: a cross-sectional study

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (11) ◽  
pp. 734-743 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georges Assaf ◽  
Samar Noureddine ◽  
Silva Kouyoumdjian ◽  
Jamil El Khoury
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitude and practice study about antibiotics usage among medical undergraduates of a tertiary care teaching hospital of Haryana, India: an observational cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 5001
Author(s):  
Khajan Singh ◽  
Brijesh Kumar ◽  
Mahender Singh ◽  
Preeti .
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitude And Practice ◽  
Knowledge Attitude And Practice

Background: Antibiotic resistance (ABR) has now become a global health problem. It has significantly increased the mortality and morbidity related to infectious diseases as well as the economic burden due to these infections. There is global consensus on development of new strategies for prevention of antibiotic abuse and hence decreasing the prevalence of ABR. Medical students should be given more education during their undergraduate training regarding antibiotic resistance and appropriate prescribing. Therefore, this study was planned to assess Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) about antibiotics usage among medical undergraduates.Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was done among 2nd year undergraduate medical students of NC Medical College and Hospital, Israna, Panipat. Data was collected through specifically developed structured questionnaire from 130 students. The data was entered in MS excel 2010 and statistical analysis was done using MS excel 2010 and IBM Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20.0.0.Results: 93.07% (n=121) of the students were aware that antibiotic resistance has become an important and serious global public health issue. The attitude of the students about antibiotic use and resistance was found to be casual and negligent. 21.53% (n=28) of study participants believed that they should take antibiotics when they have cold to prevent from getting a serious illness. 38.46% (n=50) of students considered taking antibiotics whenever they had fever.Conclusions: This study provides useful information about the knowledge, attitudes and the practices of 2nd year undergraduate medical students about antibiotic resistance and usage.

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