scholarly journals Curriculum challenges faced by rural-origin health science students at South African medical schools

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
P Diab ◽  
P S Flack ◽  
L H Mabuza ◽  
H Moolman
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Health Science ◽  
Science Students ◽  
Health Science Students

scholarly journals Exploring student awareness on critical factors which shape community engagement in the health science disciplines at a South African higher education institution

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angeni Bheekie ◽  
Mea van Huyssteen ◽  
Hester Julie
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Professional Practice ◽  
Interprofessional Education ◽  
Health Science ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Science Students ◽  
Critical Factors ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Health Science Students ◽  
The University

Abstract Background Community Engagement (CE) is cornerstone to South Africa’s higher education transformative agenda. Teaching disciplines across faculties have adopted varied CE implementation strategies, due to different theoretical interpretations. Undergraduate health science students are traditionally exposed to CE experiential learning programs, preparing them for professional practice. This study investigated final year students’ awareness of the critical factors which shape CE in the health science disciplines at a South African university.Method An exploratory descriptive qualitative study was conducted at an engaged university located in the Western Cape. Five discipline- specific focus group discussions were conducted with twenty seven final year students, purposively selected from five health sciences faculties, using an adaption of Furco’s self-assessment rubric. Thematic analysis was conducted on the transcribed data to identify the factors deemed critical for CE using Furco’s self-assessment tool as the coding framework. Trustworthiness of the data and findings were ensured. Ethics approval was obtained indicating that the research satisfied the ethics principles related to informed consent, respect for the participants ‘rights in terms of privacy, autonomy, beneficence and confidentiality.Results The a priori t hemes identified were the university’s philosophy and mission related to CE, student involvement, faculty involvement, community participation and partnerships and institutional support for CE. The cross-cutting themes that emerged across these critical factors of Furco’ included: siloism in the university, interprofessional education and monitoring and evaluation for impact. These health science students indicated that CE awareness was limited to discipline-based programs, indicative of a siloed approach. In addition, varied theoretical interpretations of CE emerged. Interprofessional education was lacking across the disciplines, even though it underpins professional practice. Participants reiterated that a central CE unit is required to co-ordinate and evaluate CE programs. Occupational therapy participants, however, reflected a critical consciousness that is congruent with an assets-based approach to CE.Conclusion The University of the Western Cape should facilitate stewardship in implementing Boyer’s 'scholarship of engagement' to ensure consistency in CE approach in the health science curriculum. Such an approach would deepen students understanding and application of CE.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception on Bequeathing of Bodies for Medical Education and Research among Health Science Students of the University of Health and Allied Sciences.

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henrietta Enam Quarshie ◽  
Raymond Saa-Eru Maalman ◽  
Mahamudu Ayamba Ali ◽  
Yaw Otchere Donkor ◽  
Kingsley Ampong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Science Education ◽  
Teaching Method ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Health Science ◽  
Science Students ◽  
Cadaveric Dissection ◽  
Health Science Students ◽  
Medicine Physician

Abstract Abstract Background: Cadaveric dissection is an established effective teaching method in anatomical science education. Cadaver acquisition for dissection is however based on voluntary body bequeathment. As a result of the increasing numbers of medical schools and students intake, the challenges of inadequate bodies for education became visible in most parts of the world as the main cadaver source remains anonymous corpses in the custody of the state. Cultural and religious beliefs or commercial purposes are among several factors that influence the decision about body donations. This study investigates the knowledge, attitude and perception of body bequeathing among health science students who benefitted or are potential beneficiary of cadaveric studies and identified factors influencing the bequest of bodies in Ghana for educational purposes among students in University of Health and Allied Sciences. Method: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. The study recruited 513 students in the bachelor programmes for medicine, physician assistantship, nursing, midwifery, pharmacy and allied sciences at various levels. Both closed-and open-ended questions contained in a designed Questionnaire were administered. Result: About Seventy-four percent (74.1%) of respondents had heard of body bequeathal. Majority (98.3%) agreed body bequeathal was important. However, only 39.6% knew the requirements and processes of body bequeathal. Most (>90%) had a negative attitude towards body bequeathal. Conclusion: The study concluded that there was a high awareness of the importance of body bequeathal for medical education and research but very low procedural knowledge on bequeathing a body among health science students. Also most were unwillingness to donate their body or even encouraging others to donate their body. It is therefore recommended that the medical schools should set up accessible body bequeathal programmes that provides opportunities for interested individuals to be readily assisted through the process of body bequeathal. Keywords: Body Bequeathal, Medical Science Education, Cadaveric Dissection, Anatomical education

Barriers to Female Condom Use among Undergraduate Health Science Students

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bongekile T. Dlamini ◽  
Mduduzi Colani Shongwe
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Female Condom ◽  
Sexual Pleasure ◽  
Health Science ◽  
Science Students ◽  
Tertiary Institution ◽  
Health Science Students ◽  
Inadequate Knowledge ◽  
Interview Guide ◽  
Depth Interviews

The female condom (FC), also known as the femidom, has been on the market since 1993, however, its use remains limited in many parts of southern Africa, including in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). There is a dearth of literature on the reasons for the limited use of the FC, especially from the perspective of health science students who would otherwise be expected to be knowledgeable about and have favourable attitudes to it. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the barriers to FC use among undergraduate health science students at a selected tertiary institution in Eswatini. A qualitative, exploratory descriptive study was conducted among nine conveniently sampled, unmarried undergraduate students at a selected tertiary institution in the Hhohho region in Mbabane, Eswatini. Responses to an unstructured interview guide, using in-depth interviews were analysed thematically following Creswell’s steps of qualitative data analysis. Five themes emerged from the data: (1) inadequate knowledge about the FC, (2) the FC hinders sexual pleasure, (3) insertion of the FC is time-consuming and uncomfortable, (4) the FC is bigger than the vagina, and (5) fear of being labelled “promiscuous”. Generally, the participants stated that they did not use the FC because of societal myths. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen health education campaigns for the femidom to clear the myths and misconceptions that limit its use.

Examining Transnational Student Mental Health Responses to COVID-19 During the Transition to Remote Learning: A Longitudinal Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Leticia Salazar Preciado ◽  
Sally Haack ◽  
Luis Renee González Lucano ◽  
Ricardo Javier Díaz Domínguez ◽  
Inbal Mazar
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Sleep Time ◽  
Health Science ◽  
Science Students ◽  
Health Science Students ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Survey Sample ◽  
Remote Learning

BACKGROUND COVID-19 represents a major global health crisis and has resulted in drastic changes to daily life. While even prior to the start of the pandemic college students had a high prevalence of mental health conditions, this group is even more at risk during the pandemic. OBJECTIVE To investigate the emotional impact of quarantine and transition to remote learning on health science students from two countries, regarding anxiety prevalence, mental wellbeing and coping behaviors during the first month of the COVID-19 outbreak. METHODS A total of 28 students from Tecnologico de Monterrey (TEC) in Guadalajara, Mexico and 19 students from Drake University (Drake) in Iowa, United States participated in the study. All students were studying health sciences, including degree programs such as medicine, pharmacy, and nutrition and wellness. This longitudinal study assessed students’ immediate psychological response during the COVID-19 pandemic by using an anonymous online questionnaire administered in April and again in May 2020. The survey was created to assess anxiety levels, coping mechanisms, and changes in daily habits. Demographics such as gender, age, non-academic working, living arrangements, household size, and number of roommates/co-habitants were also collected. RESULTS The April survey sample included 47 students and the May survey sample included 41 students. At least 50% of respondents were females, 20 to 21 years of age. The April survey results showed that more TEC students rated their food intake as higher than before the pandemic when compared to Drake students (p=0.032). Alcohol consumption reportedly stayed the same for Drake students and was lower for TEC students (p=0.004). The May survey results showed a statistically significant difference only for the alcohol consumption (p<0.001). Sleep time between April and May in TEC students showed a significant statistical difference, with students reporting less sleep time in May (p=0.016). The analysis for the level of anxiety according to the Beck Anxiety Inventory showed no statistically significant differences, neither when comparing between intra (TEC p=0.189 and Drake p=0.879) and inter group survey times (TEC vs Drake in April p=0.919 and TEC vs Drake in May p=0.305). The most common physical symptoms reported by students during both study periods were: feeling hot, nervous, fear of losing control, inability to relax, and fear of the worst happening. CONCLUSIONS There is growing concern surrounding the mental health status and needs of health science students during the pandemic. It is important to monitor changes in students’ mental health in response to the pandemic and to create interventions that target students appropriately.

scholarly journals Eating disorders among health science students at a university in southern Brazil

2011 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiza do Nascimento Ghizoni Pereira ◽  
Fabiana Schuelter Trevisol ◽  
João Quevedo ◽  
Luciano Kurtz Jornada
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
University Students ◽  
Eating Attitudes ◽  
Health Science ◽  
Science Students ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Health Science Students ◽  
Weight Loss Strategies ◽  
Eat 26

OBJECTIVES: To analyze eating disorders among female university students and to assess the frequency of bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and inappropriate weight loss strategies in this population. METHODS: The sample comprised 214 female university students attending different health science programs at a university in southern Brazil, aged over 18 years, assessed using self-administered questionnaires. The 26-item version of the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), the Bulimic Investigatory Test, Edinburgh (BITE), and a supplementary questionnaire covering data on weight status and inappropriate weight loss strategies were used to assess dietary abnormalities. RESULTS: Mean age (± standard deviation) was 21±9.93 years, and mean body mass index (BMI) was 21.1±2.59. Among the respondents, 72.9% said they would like to weigh less, 29% reported the use of different weight loss methods (diuretics were the most common, followed by laxatives, amphetamine-derived drugs, and self-induced vomiting). With regard to EAT-26 scores, 22.4% (95%CI 17.7-27.1) revealed abnormal feeding patterns; BITE indicated that 9.8% (95%CI 6.5-13.1) were at risk for developing bulimia and 36.9% (95%CI 31.5-42.3) required clinical evaluation. Mean BMI was lower among students with normal scores on both tests, but no association was found between BMI and satisfaction with own weight. CONCLUSION: There was a strong trend toward eating disorders in the health science students assessed, as demonstrated by EAT-26 and BITE scores; inadequate weight loss strategies are frequently used as well.

scholarly journals Experience of sexual harassment in public transport among female health science students: A cross sectional study of Kathmandu, Nepal

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Mishra ◽  
J. Lamichhane
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Harassment ◽  
Public Transport ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Science ◽  
Science Students ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Science Students ◽  
College Going ◽  
The Status

Background: Sexual harassment on public transport is an everyday occurrence for millions of girls and women around the globe. With the skyrocketing population of Kathmandu valley public transport has been facing enormous pressure. The major victims of these harassments happens to be college going girls and working women as they tend to travel more in public transports. This study sought to determine the prevalence and factors responsible for sexual harassment in public transport among female health science students.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 396 female health science students studying in Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences using self-administered structured questionnaire. Participants were selected through stratified random sampling method.Results: The prevalence of sexual harassment among female health science students was found to be 79.6%. Physical harassment was the most prominent type of harassment (67.1%) followed by verbal (61.2%) and non verbal 34.6%. After the experience of sexual harassment, 44.6% scolded the harasser, 29.1% kept silent, 17.3% dropped at nearest bus station whereas remaining 9% reacted in other different ways. Overcrowding was considered as main reason for sexual harassment by 69.2% of the participants. 36.8% of female students didn’t use any precautionary methods whereas 32.6% avoided going out alone at night.Conclusion: The study reveals that the prevalence of sexual harassment is significantly high. With increasing population and limited vehicles people are left with no option rather than travelling in the overcrowded vehicles where the chances of experiencing various sorts of sexual harassments are very high. In order to address this emerging issue, prompt and appropriate intervention should be taken by government, public and especially the status of women must be raised in society.JMMIHS.2018;4(1):20-32

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