Comparative Empathy Levels Among Medical Students at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences

Background:Empathy is an important component of the nurse-client relationship and nursing care. The current study aimed to compare nurses' level of empathy with patients in critical care units, psychiatric, and emergency wards.Materials and Methods:The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 112 nurses selected by convenience sampling in three educational hospitals affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran from June to September 2017. Data collection tool was a two-part questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic data (such as age, gender, and work experience) and Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE) containing 20 items, scored according to Likert scale from totally agree (7 points) to totally disagree (1 point). In total, the maximum score was 140 and the minimum score was 20. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 as well as descriptive and analytical statistical tests (multiple regression).Results:The mean (SD) empathy score of nurses working in critical care units, emergency, and psychiatric wards was 87.51 (6.65), 87.59 (4.90), and 90.71 (7.12), respectively. Regarding the regression models, it was observed that only the work experience was a significant predictor for empathy (β = 0.19, p = 0.04). This model predicted 3.50% of variances in the nurses' empathy.Conclusions:Nurses' level of empathy in this study was above average with equal scores in different wards. Therefore, increasing the nurses' level of empathy is essential in interventional studies.

Introduction:The efficient use of libraries can be an important factor in determining the educational quality of Universities. Therefore, investigation and identification of factors affecting library anxiety becomes increasingly necessary. The purpose of this research is to determine the factors effecting library anxiety of students in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Shiraz University of Medical Sciences.Materials and Methods:This was an applied survey research using Bostick's Library Anxiety questionnaire as data gathering tool. The statistical population consisted of all students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (15011 students) with the sample size of 375 using stratified random sampling. The validity of data gathering tool was confirmed by experts in the library and information science and its reliability was determined by Cronbach's alpha (r = 0.92). Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (t-test and ANOVA) were used for data analysis using SPSS 18 software.Results:Findings showed that the mean of library anxiety score was 2.68 and 2.66 for students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Shiraz University of Medical Sciences respectively which is above average (2.5). Furthermore, age and gender had no meaningful effect on the library anxiety of students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, but gender had a meaningful effect on library anxiety of students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences while age had no such effect.Conclusion:The results showed that the mean of factors effecting library anxiety in students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences is higher than average and therefore not satisfactory and only factors relating to feeling comfortable in the library is lower than average and somewhat satisfactory.

This systematic review aims to investigate the level of empathy among medical students in Arabic speaking countries and analyze its determinants. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2022 (PRISMA), the authors conducted a systematic research of studies investigating the level and determinants of empathy among medical students in Arabic speaking countries. The databases PubMed, Scopus, web of science and google scholar were searched. Ten studies from six countries were included. Nine of which had a cross-sectional study design. Level of empathy was assessed using the Jefferson scale in seven studies and using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index in two studies. The mean of empathy scale ranges between 97.65±14.10 to 106.55±19.16 in studies used the Jefferson scale of empathy. The associated factors with empathy were gender; high levels of empathy were reported in female students. Other factors are explored in relation with empathy such as specialty preference (surgery or medicine, "people-orientated" specialties or ''technology-oriented specialties''), family factors (marital status of parents, satisfactory relationship with parents, parents level of education and household income) and factors related to medical education (academic performance, year of study and type of curriculum) but the results are heterogeneous. This is the first systematic review, which illustrated the determinants of empathy in Arabic medical students. Our results revealed varied results on empathy determinants. Further studies may guarantee a full exploration of this ability in order to improve the doctor-patient relationship and patient management in the Arab world.

Introduction:Media literacy is a 21st century approach to education. It provides a framework to access, analyze, evaluate, and create messages in a variety of forms - from print to video to the Internet. Also, it builds an understanding of the role of media in society as well as essential skills of inquiry and self-expression necessary for citizens of a democracy. The purpose of this research was to determine the rate of media literacy among Isfahan University of Medical Sciences’ students using Iranian Media Literacy Questionnaire (IMLQ).Materials and Methods:This is a survey research in which the data were collected by a researcher-made questionnaire. Its validity and reliability were confirmed by Library and Information Sciences specialists and Chronbach's alpha (r = 0.89), respectively. Statistical population consisted of all students in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (7000 cases) and the samples were 364. Sampling method was random stratified sampling. Data were analyzed by descriptive (frequency distribution, mean) and inferential (T-test, ANOVA, and one-sample t-test) statistics through SPSS16 software.Results:The findings showed that the mean level of media literacy among Isfahan University of Medical Sciences’ students was 3.20 ± 0.558 (higher than average). The highest mean was skill in avoiding confusion and focus on activates such as watching television, listening to radio, reading newspaper, and using internet; and the lowest mean was skill in membership and subscription in useful society networks. The mean of evaluation of media messages dimension was more than others. The lowest mean of dimensions was for selective and purposeful use of media with 2.99 ± 0.761. Comparison between gender, married status, educational degree, and college type and the rate of media literacy among Isfahan University of Medical Sciences’ students showed no significant difference.Conclusion:The results showed that the rate of media literacy among Isfahan University of Medical Sciences’ students was higher than average. But students didn't have enough skill in membership and subscription in useful society networks and Skill in tracking news about your favorite artists and musicians. Generally, all students and education practitioners should pay special attention to factors affecting in improving media literacy as a basic capability in using media.

International Journal of DermatologyVolume 45, Issue 8 p. 989-991 The therapeutic effect of combined cryotherapy, paramomycin, and intralesional meglumine antimoniate in treating lupoid leishmaniasis and chronic leishmaniasis M. A. Nilfrousihzadeh MD, M. A. Nilfrousihzadeh MD Skin Disease and Leishmaniasis Research Center (SDLRC) and Department of Pharmacology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Health Services (IUMS), Sedigheh Tehareh Research Center, Isfahan, Iran E-mail: jaffary@pharm.mui.ac.irjaffary@interchange.ubc.caSearch for more papers by this authorF. Jaffray MD, PhD, F. Jaffray MD, PhD Skin Disease and Leishmaniasis Research Center (SDLRC) and Department of Pharmacology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Health Services (IUMS), Sedigheh Tehareh Research Center, Isfahan, Iran E-mail: jaffary@pharm.mui.ac.irjaffary@interchange.ubc.caSearch for more papers by this authorM. R. Reiszadeh MD, M. R. Reiszadeh MD Skin Disease and Leishmaniasis Research Center (SDLRC) and Department of Pharmacology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Health Services (IUMS), Sedigheh Tehareh Research Center, Isfahan, Iran E-mail: jaffary@pharm.mui.ac.irjaffary@interchange.ubc.caSearch for more papers by this authorN. Ansari MD, N. Ansari MD Skin Disease and Leishmaniasis Research Center (SDLRC) and Department of Pharmacology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Health Services (IUMS), Sedigheh Tehareh Research Center, Isfahan, Iran E-mail: jaffary@pharm.mui.ac.irjaffary@interchange.ubc.caSearch for more papers by this author M. A. Nilfrousihzadeh MD, M. A. Nilfrousihzadeh MD Skin Disease and Leishmaniasis Research Center (SDLRC) and Department of Pharmacology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Health Services (IUMS), Sedigheh Tehareh Research Center, Isfahan, Iran E-mail: jaffary@pharm.mui.ac.irjaffary@interchange.ubc.caSearch for more papers by this authorF. Jaffray MD, PhD, F. Jaffray MD, PhD Skin Disease and Leishmaniasis Research Center (SDLRC) and Department of Pharmacology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Health Services (IUMS), Sedigheh Tehareh Research Center, Isfahan, Iran E-mail: jaffary@pharm.mui.ac.irjaffary@interchange.ubc.caSearch for more papers by this authorM. R. Reiszadeh MD, M. R. Reiszadeh MD Skin Disease and Leishmaniasis Research Center (SDLRC) and Department of Pharmacology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Health Services (IUMS), Sedigheh Tehareh Research Center, Isfahan, Iran E-mail: jaffary@pharm.mui.ac.irjaffary@interchange.ubc.caSearch for more papers by this authorN. Ansari MD, N. Ansari MD Skin Disease and Leishmaniasis Research Center (SDLRC) and Department of Pharmacology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Health Services (IUMS), Sedigheh Tehareh Research Center, Isfahan, Iran E-mail: jaffary@pharm.mui.ac.irjaffary@interchange.ubc.caSearch for more papers by this author First published: 17 January 2006 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2006.02748.xCitations: 9Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume45, Issue8August 2006Pages 989-991 RelatedInformation

Introduction:The use of telemedicine technology can lead to an equitable distribution of specialized care. There are numerous influencing factors which should be identified for successful implementation and efficacy of telemedicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate current situation and internal and external environment of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (IUMS) and prepare telemedicine development strategies for IUMS.Methods:This study was an applied cross-sectional mixed method study which was conducted between July 2014 to November 2016 and in five phases in IUMS. a) Evaluating Internal and external factors (IFE & EFE); b) Formulating goals; c) Identifying and prioritizing strategic problems; d) Setting objectives; and e) formulating the strategies to develop telemedicine in IUMS. The research sample included 147 of IUMS inner customers and stakeholders in the first phase (census) and 14 in the second phase (Purposive sampling based on more work experience). In the first phase, to analyze obtained data of two researcher-made questionnaires, measures of central tendency and dispersion (frequency, percent and mean) were calculated using SPSS. To evaluate internal and external factors and formulating strategies was used TOWS matrix. And finally, to select optimal strategies for telemedicine developing quantitative strategic planning matrix was used.Results:The final score of internal and external factors evaluation was 2.67 and 2.68, respectively. According to the strategic position and action evaluation (SPACE), telemedicine strategic planning in IUMS was in aggressive posture. Because the numbers were closer to 2.5 can be concluded that based on internal factors the organization was in moderate to strong and based on external factors was in a moderate level and neither have a serious positive feature for use the opportunities outside the organization and suffered a serious threat from the outside of organization. Finally, we formulated 14 strategies to develop telemedicine in IUMS as followings: 5 SO, 2 ST, 5 WO, and 2 WT strategies.Conclusion:Telemedicine development in IUMS is located in poor aggressive posture. Therefore, IUMS can develop telemedicine and subsequently, in this study, strategies were developed to preserve and retain healthcare workers, practical studies, data confidentiality and security programs, and other issues.

Background: Universities of Medical Sciences are required to take steps to implement dimensions of the learning organization due to their wide-range of activities and their role in maintaining and improving the community health. This study was conducted to determine the compliance of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences with the components of learning organization. Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was conducted among all senior and middle managers of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences at the Central headquarters, colleges, and hospitals. For data collection, the standard Neife Learning Organization Questionnaire (2001) was applied .Validity of the questionnaire was evaluated in terms of content validity based on the experts' opinion and the questionnaire's reliability was confirmed by calculating the Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.89. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics such as Pearson correlation coefficient, t-test, and Spearman correlation coefficient through SPSS 20. Results: The compliance rate of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences with components of the learning organization was 72.60 from the viewpoint of the senior and middle managers of this university in total. The highest mean score was attributed to the individual skills (77.60) and the lowest mean scores were related to the components of mental models (67.03), team learning (70.70), and shared vision (72.20), respectively. Independent t-tests showed that the total mean score of adoption with the learning organization and scores of the shared vision, team learning, and systematic thinking components were significantly higher in male than female managers (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The Isfahan University of Medical Sciences' compliance with characteristics of the learning organization is at a desirable level. Managers and authorities can achieve the highest level of learning organization by improving all components of the learning organization, especially the mental model, team learning, and shared vision.

PP-099 IS THERE ANY RELATION BETWEEN CIRCULATING ENDOTHELIAL-LEUKOCYTE ADHESION MOLECULE-1 AND EXTENT OF CORONARY ARTERY INVOLVEMENTS IN MEN WITH ANGINA PECTORIS?

1Nosocomial Infection Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IR Iran 2Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IR Iran 3School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IR Iran 4Acquired Immunodeficiency Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IR Iran 5Department of Gastroenterology, Integrative Functional Gastroenterology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IR Iran *Corresponding author: Behrooz Ataei, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IR Iran. Tel: +98-3113359359, E-mail: ataei@med.mui.ac.ir

This study investigated the effect of problem solving approach on the performance of Basic Science and Technology students in Nasarawa State. The study employed quasi-experimental of the pretest, posttest control group design. One hundred Junior Secondary School final year students participated in the study from schools that fall within the once sampled in Nasarawa State. Four research questions and four research hypotheses were used for the study. The instrument consisted of twenty item essay questions in Basic Science and Technology final Junior Secondary School Certificate Examinations (JSSCE) questions. The reliability coefficient of the questions was 0.74. Pretest was administered to the Basic Science and Technology students before treatment. Basic Science and Technology Students in experimental group were taught using the Basic Science and Technology problems solving approach while Basic Science and Technology students in the control group were taught using lecture method. Both groups were taught for four weeks and posttest was administered to them. Mean, standard deviation and ANCOVA statistics were used for data analyses. The results showed that, the Basic Science students that were exposed to the Basic Science Problem Solving Approach (BTPSA) performed significantly better than those exposed to the Basic Science and Technology lecture method approach (BTLMA). Among the recommendations that were passed was that the government should provide practical experience of how to use Basic Science and Technology problem solving approach to both the Basic Science teachers and the Basic Science and Technology students in junior secondary schools in Nasarawa State.

Background:The prevalence of self-medication is high all over the world, especially in Iran. But there is a paucity of studies to explore self-medication activities among the university students. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine the self-medication among student in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, based on Health Belief Model (HBM).Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted in 197 medical students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences who were randomly chosen by a stratified random sampling method in 2009. The data were collected using a validated and reliable questionnaire based on HBM. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (ver. 16). Descriptive and analytical statistics (independent t-test and test) were used. A two-tailed P value lower than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:The mean and standard deviation of participants’ age was 22.00 ± 2.77 years. 67.3% of the sample consisted of females. The mean scores of knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and perceived barrier were 80.36 ± 18.29, 40.92 ± 13.89, 61.48 ± 19.03, 59.11 ± 18.46, and 30.36 ± 12.40, respectively. According to the results, 84.98% of students had experienced self-medication at least for one disease during the past 6 months.Conclusions:The prevalence of self-medication in medical students is high and we can consider it as a health problem. So, we need educational interventions for the students, using HBM constructs.

CONTEXT:Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PMR) is a specialized clinical field of musculoskeletal diseases and physical impairment that is unknown for most of the medical students.AIMS:This study aimed to assess medical students’ attitude and knowledge toward PMR and its role in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases.SETTING AND DESIGN:This cross-sectional study was done on 175 medical students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences from 2015 to 2016. Sample population was selected by random sampling among 350 students.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Participants were evaluated by a research-made questionnaire with confirmed validity and reliability. This questionnaire included 36 questions divided in four parts including demographic data, knowledge, attitude, and performance ranking.STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED:Data were analyzed using SPSS 20. Statistical test for quantitative and qualitative variables was carried out by mean ± standard deviation and percentage or number, respectively. For analyzing variables, Student's t-test and Chi-square test were used.RESULTS:In this study, 150 medical students with a mean age of 24.48 ± 1.48 years participated of which 40% of them were male. The mean score of Student's knowledge about PMR and its role in diagnosis and treatment of disorders was 5.16 ± 1.90, and 91.3% had low level of knowledge. The mean score of student's attitude toward PMR and its role in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal problems was 3.33 ± 0.46, and 69.3% had attitude level above the average. Evaluation of student's performance showed that when they manage patients with musculoskeletal problems as general physician, they refer the patients to physiatrists at the first step if it is necessary.CONCLUSION:Understanding the factors influencing the attitudes and knowledge of medical students is prime to help establishing the roles, providing proper facilities, carrying out successful planning to train expert physicians and create a motivated environment in medical schools.

Background:Empathy, the aptitude to resonate with others’ emotions,influences favourable doctor-patient relationship and treatment outcome. The clinical empathy comes a cropper for medical students as they stride towards the completion of medical course. Empathy is a docile characteristic; hence the lamentable dwindling of clinical empathy is amenable to prevention by specially designed targeted interventions. Objectives:To evaluate any change in empathy level of undergraduate medical students after an interactive audio-visual teaching session on clinical empathy Methodology:It was a pre-post quasi experimental study done on 328 undergraduate medical (MBBS) students of Dehradun by using Jefferson Scale of Empathy- Medical Student Version (JSPE-S) with pre-test and post-test separated by an interval of one month after an interactive audio-visual teaching session on clinical empathy. Results:There was statistically significant improvement in overall mean empathy scores from 99.01(±12.9) to 109.33(±12.8) with a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 1.1). Statistically significant improvement in empathy level was seen irrespective of gender, age, MBBS year and area of interest for future speciality with large effect sizes of >0.8. Conclusion:Clinical empathy can be improved during the years of medical education by specifically designed interventions.

Introduction:Commitment to abstracting standards has a very significant role in information retrieval. The present research aimed to evaluate the rate of Commitment to ISO 214 Standard among the Persian abstracts of approved research projects at School of Health Management and Medical Informatics, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.Materials and Methods:This descriptive study used a researcher-made checklist to collect data, which was then analyzed through content analysis. The studied population consisted of 227 approved research projects in the School of Health Management and Medical Informatics, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences during 2001-2010. The validity of the checklist was measured by face and content validity. Data was collected through direct observations. Statistical analyzes including descriptive (frequency distribution and percent) and inferential statistics (Chi-square test) were performed in SPSS-16.Results:The highest and lowest commitment rates to ISO 214 standard were in using third person pronouns (100%) and using active verbs (34/4%), respectively. In addition, the highest commitment rates to ISO 214 standard (100%) related to mentioning third person pronouns, starting the abstract with a sentence to explain the subject of the research, abstract placement, and including keyword in 2009. On the other hand, during 2001-2003, the lowest commitment rate was observed in reporting research findings (16/7%). Moreover, various educational groups differed significantly only in commitment to study goals, providing research findings, and abstaining from using abbreviations, signs, and acronyms. Furthermore, educational level of the corresponding author was significantly related with extracting the keywords from the text. Other factors of ISO 214 standard did not have significant relations with the educational level of the corresponding author.Conclusions:In general, a desirable rate of commitment to ISO 214 standard was observed among the Persian abstracts of approved research projects at the School of Health Management and Medical Informatics of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. However, commitment rates differed between years. In addition, commitment to ISO 214 standard was not significantly related with educational group and level.

Background and Purpose: There is much evidence that the prevalence of academic misbehaviors is increasing in universities. This study examined the motivation and attitudes of medical students of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences on cheating and its frequency. Methods: The study is a survey of medical students’ of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences attitudes on cheating and Data was analyzed using Chi-square and McNemar's test. Results: One hundred and sixty medical students participated in this study. The mean and standard deviation of students’ age was 22.69±2.29 years. Basic Sciences and internship students’ attitudes on three cheating behaviors, including cheating from others (P=0.028), helping other students to copy answers during exams (P=0.001), and recording false reports deliberately to facilitate assignments were significantly different (P=0.0001). The students' highest motivation for cheating was fear of failing in the exam (79.3%) and difficulty of the course (77.5%). Conclusions: The results showed that there were a higher number of interns than basic sciences students considered two behaviors of helping others to cheat and copying from one’s hand as cheating. It seems that policy-making in universities must be in a way that the problems of educational program, attitude and environment get more attention. In this regard, medical ethics education, reduced stress and pressure associated with medical education, fair and decisive punishment for dishonest people and appropriate resource allocation should be carried out for exam’s environment control. Keywords: Motivation, Attitude, Medical Students, Cheating