Medical Students’ Attitude and Perception Towards Basic Medical Science Subjects at Wollo University, Northeast Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction The knowledge of basic medical science could help to remember a fact and be used to understand causal mechanisms of disease process that improve the accuracy of diagnostic formulations. Objective To assess the perception and attitude of medical students towards basic medical science subjects along with retention rate and clinical relevance in Wollo University. Methods Institutional-based cross-sectional study design was employed in Wollo University from September, 2020 to October, 2020. A pre-tested and structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. All opinions were rated using a positive-point Likert scale, which ranges from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree.” The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results A total of 153 students participated with a 100% response rate. Among them, 45 (29.4%), 38 (24.8%), 39 (25.5%), and 31 (20.3%) were PC-II, C-I, C-II, and Intern students, respectively. Ninety-six (62.7%) of medical students were very much interested in basic medical science subjects. But, 113 (73.9%) of them did not have plans to join the subjects as a future career. The main reasons in more than half 85 (55.7%) of the respondents were less financial growth followed by less chance of promotion 31 (20.3%). There were 66.7% of the students who considered anatomy as clinically relevant, whereas 53.6% and 47.1% considered physiology and biochemistry, respectively, to be clinically relevant. The number of students who could recall anatomy and physiology during relevant clinical discussions was 102 (66.7%) and 85 (55.6%), respectively. This percentage was relatively less for biochemistry (26.8%). Conclusion In conclusion, medical students have a positive attitude towards basic medical science subjects. However, they are hesitant to join the field because it offers them less financial growth and few chances of promotion. Moreover, anatomy and physiology were highly relevant subjects during clinical practice. But, the retention rate of basic medical science knowledge during their clinical year was low.

Medical Students’ Attitude and Perception Towards Embryology Course at Debre Markos University, Ethiopia

“…This finding was in agreement with studies conducted in Ethiopia, Malaysia and South Asia, which revealed that there are few opportunities in basic medical science, which are limited to teaching, research, and diagnostic laboratories. 15,20,21 The current study also showed that nearly two third of medical students perceived that integrated curriculum with other basic sciences increased their interest in ward embryology course. This finding was higher than a reported study by Teshome et al which revealed only one third of medical students perceived that integrated curriculum with other basic sciences increased their interest in ward histology course.…”

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“…This finding is in agreement with Teshome et al reports. 28 Regarding different methods of teaching histology, our study reveals that there were 82.61% of participants who agreed or strongly agreed with the proposed integration of histology and pathology. Furthermore, a system approach to teaching pathology in conjunction with other disciplines was preferred by 70.1%, which was consistent with previous researches.…”

“…This finding is in line with the study conducted in Ethiopia, China, Malaysia, and South Asia, which found that there is a limited opportunity in basic medical science, restricted to teaching, research, and diagnostic laboratories. 28 , 29 In our study, nearly one-third of the medical students acknowledge the significance of the integration of histology with clinical discipline, which helps in a better understanding of respective subjects. However, 34.24% of those polled said the integrated curriculum had not increased their interest in basic medical sciences.…”

Comparison of academic performance of medical undergraduate students between routine class room teaching and online assisted teaching in biochemistry during COVID pandemic

“…A survey among medical undergraduates has shown that only 47% of students consider biochemistry as clinically relevant, while only 26% of them were able to recall biochemistry during clinical discussions. 6 It is absolutely necessary to change this attitude of medical students by making the subject interesting. Hence case based learning and problem based learning avenues were undertaken.…”

“…Classroom teaching was supplemented with weekly written assignments that enhanced daily learning and has helped them to perform better in the formative assessments as supposed by students. A survey among medical undergraduates has shown that only 47% of students consider biochemistry as clinically relevant, while only 26% of them were able to recall biochemistry during clinical discussions 6 . It is absolutely necessary to change this attitude of medical students by making the subject interesting.…”