Experiencia de voluntariado internacional y trabajo fin de grado de estudiantes de Medicina

Abstract

IntroductionThe objective of this study was to evaluate the volunteering experience in medical students in a developing country and to determine the possibility of performing a final degree project (FDP), such as analysing the nutritional status and the factors related to child malnutrition in Ethiopia. Material and methodsThe activities of volunteering experience were recorded. A survey was carried out to evaluate the volunteer experience. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a nutritional survey and anthropometric measurements in children from a rural area of Ethiopia. The type and degree of malnourishment was assessed by calculating the Waterloo weight (IWp) and height (IWt) indices, and their association with socio-demographic and family factors, disease history, and nutrition. ResultsAll aspects of the quality assessment survey of the volunteer experience were positively assessed (score equal to or higher than 3 out of 5) by the participants. Students were able to perform the FDP during the volunteer period. A total of 58 children (50% males) with a median age of 16 months were studied, of which 39.6% suffered from acute malnutrition and 51.6% chronic malnutrition. The IWp was higher in children under one year of age (P=.002). ConclusionsVolunteer activities are useful, both for professional training and the personal development of medical students, with participating being very well valued. The volunteer experience can be used to perform the Medicine FDP. The results of the study show a high prevalence of infant malnutrition in the rural area of Ethiopia.