scholarly journals Smoking habits among medical students: a survey at the University of Prishtina Faculty of Medicine

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albina Fejza ◽  
Fatjeta Maraj ◽  
Hajrullah Fejza

Background: Smoking is a common habit among the population in Kosovo. In the country, smoking occurs in public places, health and educational institutions despite being prohibited by law. Our objective was to describe smoking habits, knowledge and attitudes among medical students from all departments in the University of Prishtina, Faculty of Medicine. Methods: The present study followed the Global Health Professions Student Survey (GHPSS) standardized methodology including data processing procedures. A self-administered questionnaire used was derived from the GHPSS. A total of 600 students were invited in the study while 470 returned questionnaires and participated in the study. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data. The Fisher’s exact test was used to test the significance and a p-value<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The prevalence rate of smoking among students was 16.9% (95% CI 13.2-20). Current smokers were 79 students, 28.2 % males, and 7.7 % females. The study showed that 55.5% of students smoke less than a pack of cigarettes per day. Almost half of them (47.6%) who smoke reported to have a smoker inside the family.  This study also revealed that 74.7% of respondents smoke in the presence of non-smokers on daily bases. Conclusion: Despite threating their own health, smokers also cause noxiousness to the society and medical students should be role models for the others by not smoking. Even though the percentage doesn’t show a high rate of smokers in Medical University of Prishtina, still we need to pay attention to bad smoking habits and try to lower even more the percentage of smokers.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Biermann ◽  
Salim Kanoun ◽  
Trond Davidsen ◽  
Robert Gray

Abstract Aims Since 2017, medical students at the University of Bergen were taught PET/CT “hands-on” by viewing PET/CT cases in native format on diagnostic workstations in the hospital. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students were barred access. This prompted us to launch and evaluate a new freeware PET/CT viewing system hosted in the university network. Methods We asked our students to install the multiplatform Fiji viewer with Beth Israel PET/CT plugin (http://petctviewer.org) on their personal computers and connect to a central image database in the university network based on the public domain orthanc server (https://orthanc-server.com). At the end of course, we conducted an anonymous student survey. Results The new system was online within eight days, including regulatory approval. All 76 students (100 %) in the fifth year completed their course work, reading five anonymized PET/CT cases as planned. 41 (53 %) students answered the survey. Fiji was challenging to install with a mean score of 1.8 on a 5-point Likert scale (5 = easy, 1 = difficult). Fiji was more difficult to use (score 3.0) than the previously used diagnostic workstations in the hospital (score 4.1; p < 0.001, paired t-test). Despite the technical challenge, 47 % of students reported having learnt much (scores 4 and 5); only 11 % were negative (scores 1 and 2). 51 % found the PET/CT tasks engaging (scores 4 and 5) while 20 % and 5 % returned scores 2 and 1, respectively. Conclusion Despite the initial technical challenge, “hands-on” learning of PET/CT based on the freeware Fiji/orthanc PET/CT-viewer was associated with a high degree of student satisfaction. We plan to continue running the system to give students permanent access to PET/CT cases in native format regardless of time or location.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 200-204
Author(s):  
Sana Akbar ◽  
Misbah Riaz ◽  
Lalarukh Munawar ◽  
Shazia Shakoor

Objective: The purpose of this study was to correlate the hypochondriacal concerns related to diseases with level of anxiety and depression symptoms among medical and engineering undergraduates. Study design and Setting: Cross sectional study was conducted among undergraduates of final year students of BUMDC (Bahria University Medical & Dental College) and engineering students from NUST- PNEC (NUST – Pakistan Navy Engineering College). Methodology: In this study; (99) final year medical students and (92) engineering students were recruited. In order to maintain consistency of age, students aging between 21–26 years were selected. Selected students were handed to fill the required ‘Self-administered Questionnaire’ comprising of demographic details, short health anxiety inventory, medical history and DASS (depression, anxiety and stress scale) which were completed on-site. Data was entered in SPSS version 21 and analyzed using Fisher’s exact test. P value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Result: Out of 191 students in total from both the groups n=86 (45%) were females and n=105(55%) were males. There were 99 participants from MBBS and 92 from engineering. The participants’ ages ranged from 21-26 years with a mean= 23.95 (SD±2.29), both the cohorts belonged to approximately same age group. While assessing depression the responses were not very different for both the groups. When responses of depression scale were related to visits to psychiatrists or psychologist or psychotherapist a strong relationship was observed (p=0.012) in medical students cohort. Conclusion: The results of the study reflected comparable psychosocial strain at an elevated level among both student groups


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Husam Eldin Elsawi Khalafalla ◽  
Mohamed Salih Mahfouz ◽  
Muath Hassan Ibrahim Najmi ◽  
Sayyaf Abdullah Mohammad Najmi ◽  
Qasem Ali Yahya Arishi ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is one of the most important factors that affect human health; it reduces the chances of hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, breast and colon cancer, and depression.OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to measure prevalence of physical activity and to determine the factors affecting the level of physical activity among medical student in Jazan University.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the students of medical colleges of Jazan University. A random sample of 419 was determined using most recent physical activity prevalence. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection.RESULTS: There is a high prevalence of inactivity among study participants (88.1%). Females (91.7%) were more significantly (p value=0.013) inactive than males (83.8%). The most influential barrier perceived by participants is (heavy) academic work as well as lack of places for physical activity; the latter factor being more effective in hindering female students' physical activity.CONCLUSION: Results revealed that the inactivity rate was very high among medical students. The results of this study call for a well-planned intervention at the university level for improving the level of physical activity among university students.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. 3547-3549
Author(s):  
Shmyla Hamid ◽  
Farrukh Sarfraz ◽  
Nadeem Razaq ◽  
Sadia Ikram ◽  
Junaid Iqbal ◽  
...  

Introduction: Problem-Based Learning (PBL) could be an instructing strategy in which complex real-world issues are utilized as the vehicle to promote student learning of concepts and standards as opposed to direct introduction of facts and ideas. In expansion to course content, PBL can promote the improvement of basic thinking aptitudes, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills. It can also show new horizons for working in group to become a lifelong learner. Objective: To evaluate the educational environment in medical and allied health sciences students at Rawalpindi Medical University. Material & Method: Study design: quantitative cross sectional Settings: Rawalpindi Medical University Duration: Six months i.e. 1st January 2021 to 30th June 2021 Methodology: The students of medical from medical college and Physiotherapy from allied health sciences have been selected. Pre validated questionnaire DREEM was used to evaluate the perception of educational environment at Rawalpindi Medical University students for using educational strategies. The students enrolled in the study after giving consent. Results: The total number and percentages were 1200/1750 (68.5%) from medical students and 70/150 (46.6%) from allied health sciences participated in the study from Rawalpindi Medical University. Table 2 shows two groups, total participants, maximum score, mean value, Standard deviation and p value. The overall DREEM score of medical group was 135/200 which use PBL approach and Allied group score was 102/200 which was on traditional strategy. It is also noticed that mean score from the medical group is greater than 3 while Allied health sciences lower than 2. Conclusion: Differentiating student discernments of educational environments appear related with the medical schools embracing different educational methodologies in our setting. Cautious and detailed interpretation of DREEM symptomatic results can be utilized to identify qualities and shortcomings of educational program and needed intervention. In any case to sort of educational programs experienced, institutional mediations show up fundamental in the areas of academic and social support and stress management. Continuous assessment of learning situations ought to be linked to making strides the instructive encounters for medical students. Keywords: PBL, DREEM, Educational Environment, Learning


2008 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Ellender ◽  
Marlene Drysdale ◽  
Janice Chesters ◽  
Susan Faulkner ◽  
Heather Kelly ◽  
...  

AbstractThis paper investigates reasons Indigenous Australian medical students gave for leaving their courses prior to graduation. Indigenous students who had withdrawn or deferred from their medical courses were asked about the barriers and disincentives that had dissuaded them from graduating. Although the response rate to the questionnaire was very low, it opened up a way of looking at the particular experiences of Indigenous students. Of the 12 responses, the most prominent reason given for withdrawing was financial. Most were satisfied with enrolment processes but a number were disappointed with their courses and with teaching methods. More support from the university was the only encouragement that would have persuaded most respondents to continue. This paper explores the reasons for the high rate of withdrawal of Indigenous medical students and concludes by suggesting ways in which secondary schools, universities and their medical schools could respond to the recruitment and retention of Indigenous medical students.


2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. 518-518
Author(s):  
Philipp Marius Papavassilis ◽  
Edwin Herrmann ◽  
Laura-Maria Krabbe ◽  
Lothar Hertle ◽  
Martin Boegemann ◽  
...  

518 Background: Our goal was to describe the change of treatment paradigms for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) since targeted therapy became available in 2006. Methods: In this cohort population study we retrospectively investigated all mRCC patients who were treated with targeted therapy between 06/2006 and 06/2012 in the Department of Urology of the University of Münster. To distinguish nominal variables Fisher's exact test was used, in other respects Pearson's χ² test. For metrical variables the Mann-Whitney-U-Test was used. The log-rank test was chosen to derive differences between two or more groups with regard to survival. A p value <0,05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 50/158 (31.6%) patients with a median follow-up of 362 days were initially treated with immunotherapy. The most often used second line treatment after immunotherapy was sorafenib (29 patients, 58.0%). As first line treatment sunitinib was chosen most frequently (68 patients, 63.0%). There was no statistically significant difference in survival between the patients who were treated with immunotherapy and those who were not (572 vs. 554 days, p=0,745). 134 (84.4%) patients received cytoreductive nephrectomy before systemic treatment start. Comparing the survival curves there was a significant survival benefit in favor of nephrectomized patients (632 vs. 169 days, p<0,0001). Conclusions: After introduction of the new agents treatment paradigms have changed substantially. Immunotherapy is used only rarely. Cytoreductve nephrectomy should continue to be regarded as standard treatment.


Politehnika ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-11
Author(s):  
Nina Trukhacheva ◽  
Nikolay Pupyrev ◽  
Ylia Alyabieva ◽  
Svetlana Tschernysheva

The current research presents some principles and settings in teaching biostatistics. The purpose of study is to enhance the teaching of biostatistics in Russian medical schools and overcome some problems by applying new approaches and innovation techniques. The research included the questionnaire of students, teachers and postgraduates of the Altai State Medical University. There were applied different approaches and studying by means of learning system MOODLЕ with differentiated courses in biostatistics. Categorical data were analyzed using the chi-square test and a P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The findings showed some new approaches and methods in education to improve the biostatistical competence of medical students. The changing in content of biostatistical course would increase students’ motivation if it were maximum approximated to the real medical cases. The analysis of the results proved that some approaches are more effective for teaching biostatistics. They allow students to study according to their personal educational goals and paths.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Getachew Tesfaw Desalegn ◽  
Mesele Wondie ◽  
Saron Dereje ◽  
Adanech Addisu

Abstract Background Suicidal ideation and attempt are highly prevalent among medical students compared to the general population and negatively impacts the quality of life, physical, and mental well being of students. However, research into suicidal ideation and attempt among medical students in low and middle-income countries are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the suicide ideation and attempt and associated factors among medical students in Ethiopia.Methods An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2019 at the University of Gondar among medical students. A simple random sampling technique used to get study units by their identification card. Suicide ideation and attempt were assessed by using World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) to assess suicide ideation and attempt. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify associated factors between suicidal ideation and attempt with the explanatory variables at p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results The prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt among study participants was found to be 14% and 7.4% with 95% CI (10.9, 18.1) and (5.1, 10.2), respectively. In multivariate logistic regression; female sex (AOR: 5.21, 95% CI: 2.42, 11.20), depression (AOR: 10.12, 95% CI; 4.80, 21.52), current khat chewing (AOR: 4.46, 95% CI; 132, 15.02), and poor social support (AOR: 4.46, 95% CI: 1.43, 13.87) were factors significantly associated with suicidal ideation. Being female (AOR: 8.08, 95% CI: 3.04, 21.39), depression (AOR: 10.66, 95% CI; 4.01, 28.01 ) and history of mental illness (AOR: 5.53, 95% CI; 1.20, 25.50) were factors significantly associated with suicidal attempt.Conclusion In the current study, the prevalence of suicidal ideation among medical students was low compared to other studies, but the suicidal attempt was high. The University of Gondar better to instate a screening program for every medical student for early diagnosis and intervention of suicide ideation and attempt.


Author(s):  
Tayyab Mumtaz Khan ◽  
Sana Mansoor ◽  
Munazzah Kaleem ◽  
Muhammad Shahid Zafar ◽  
Anisa Shoail ◽  
...  

Happiness is a collection of various kinds of emotions including positive and negative because of satisfaction in life. Happiness affects almost every aspect of life, however, among students, its most important impact is on their academic performance. Academic performance is positively affected by happiness and subsequently their performance as a physician. Therefore, our current study is set to assess the impact of happiness on academic performance among final-year medical students of Rawalpindi Medical University Pakistan. This may provide us a new way to bring improvement in academic performance of medical students. This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among final-year medical students of Rawalpindi Medical University in January 2020. Collection of data was accomplished with the help of two questionnaires including Oxford Happiness Questionnaire for happiness assessment and self-structured questionnaire which was developed to obtain required data about demographic details and marks in last professional examination. Students who had diagnosed any physical and mental illness were excluded. From total of 223 students who were enrolled at the beginning of study, only 186 returned correctly filled questionnaires so final sample size became 186. Data analysis was completed through SPSS v.25.0. Different statistical tests including Independent sample t-test, Chi-square test, Pearson’s correlation, and linear regression were used to assess the study variables. Statistically significant and strong positive association was noted between happiness and academic performance of students (p = 0.000). To evaluate the direction and strength of association between happiness and academic performance, Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated, and it was 0.809 with p-value 0.000). Difference in happiness score between male students and female students (p=0.015) and between boarder students and non-boarder students (p=0.000) was statistically significant. Likewise, the difference in academic performance that was assessed through marks in last professional examination was also statistically significant between male student and female students (p=0.001) and between boarder students and non-boarder students (p=0.000) was also statistically significant. With p-value of 0.000 for F test, simple linear regression model was valid. Value of unstandardized regression Coefficient (B) was 61.40. R² was 0.655 (65.5%). Our study overall shows higher happiness score and better academic performance among female and non-boarder students relative to male and boarder students. This current study also indicates statistically significant and strong positive association between happiness and academic performance, which means that increase in happiness increases the academic performance of students and vice versa. So, with the implementation of appropriate measures for the increase in happiness we can bring enhancement in academic performance of medical students.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aidos K. Bolatov ◽  
Telman Z. Seisembekov ◽  
Altynay Zh. Askarova ◽  
Bahyt B. Igenbayeva ◽  
Dariga S. Smailova ◽  
...  

Abstract This study aims at investigating burnout and associated factors in a sample of medical students from Astana Medical University (AMU), using the Russian version of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory - Student Survey (R-CBI-S), which was validated in the current study. 771 medical students responded. The study included socio-demographic and personal questions, and a tool to measure burnout. Statistical analyses included test-retest reliability, internal consistency, item analysis, confirmatory factor analysis for validation and measures of descriptive statistics, and logistic regression analysis for evaluating burnout. The R-CBI-S demonstrated good reliability and validity. The test-retest reliability showed an ICC of 0.81. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.94. R-CBI-S achieved good levels of goodness-of-fit indices (RMSEA = 0.0611; CFI = 0.940; TLI = 0.933). Overall, 28% of medical students reported burnout; R-CBI-S mean score was 40. There is no significant gender difference in burnout. On regression analysis, to be a 2nd year student, compare to dormitory students live at home or rented a house, having suicidal ideation, having thoughts of dropping out, having interpersonal relationship problems with family or friends, smoking, using alcohol were independently associated with increased risk for burnout. Enrolling in a medical university by its own decision and having satisfaction with academic performance associated with a decreasing of developing burnout syndrome. In conclusion, the test results indicated the R-CBI-S scale appears to be a reliable and valid instrument. Factors associated with burnout were identified.


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