Hygienic features of the diet of foreign medical students considering their national cultures

IntroductionIt is a well-known fact that regular physical activity (PA) has a positive effect on a person’s somatic health. Does PA have similar correlations with self-esteem in medical students of different cultural backgrounds?ObjectivesTo determine the intensity and correlations of PА and self-esteem in domestic and foreign undergraduate medical studentsMethodsWe carried out a survey of 305 domestic and 241 international medical students of both genders at Ulianov Chuvash State University. For this aim we used the Sociocultural Health Questionnaire (E. Nikolaev)Results We have established that with the same duration of the sessions the average frequency of physical activity (PA) of foreign medical students is higher than that of domestic students (p=.001). The latter more often exercise in gyms (p=.001) and consume bodybuilding supplements (p=.01). Foreign medical students’ self-assessment of their health (p=.001) and sportiness (p=.001) is higher than that of domestic students (7.90 vs 6.98 и 6.72 vs 5.82 correspondingly). Higher frequency of PA correlates in domestic medical students with higher self-assessment of their successfulness (r=.47), attractiveness (r=.46), and confidence (r=.43); while in foreign students – of their sportiness (r=.49), confidence (r=.25), sociability (r=.23). Longer sessions of PA by domestic medical students are interrelated with higher self-assessment of their intellect (r=.35), confidence (r=.34), happiness (r=.34); while in foreign students – of sportiness (r=.47), health (r=.36), and successfulness (r=.36).ConclusionsThe revealed data testify to the fact that PA of both domestic and foreign medical students closely correlates with positive assessment of their own personality.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

<scp>M</scp>utual benefit for foreign medical students and Chinese postgraduates: A mixed team‐based learning method overcomes communication problems in hematology clerkship

In the article the main scientific thoughts concerning the problems of forming multicultural competence of the foreign medical students in the process of learning humanitarian disciplines were systematized. The relevance of the article is attributable to the presence of contradictions between the necessities of forming multicultural competence among foreigners who study on the medical educational institutions of Ukraine, and absence of systematized scientific and methodological basis concerning the issue of forming multicultural competency among foreign medical students, since during recent decades in the whole amount of scientific and pedagogical works a small quantity of researches dedicated to the mentioned problem, as well as the whole problem of education of foreign citizens in Ukraine, had been performed; and at the same time there is a great increase in the number of foreign students studying in Ukrainian institutions of higher medical education. The aim of the article is to perform an analytical review of the field of research and studies concerning the problems of forming multicultural competency among foreign medical students in the process of learning humanitarian disciplines. In the paper the fields of research and studies concerning the problems of forming multicultural competence in the process of learning humanitarian disciplines, the problems of forming multicultural competence among the students of establishments of higher education of different grades and accreditation levels, the problems of forming multicultural competence among foreign students, especially among the students of Ukrainian institutions of higher medical education were analyzed. Attention was paid to the researches of aspects of forming multicultural competence in educational institutions of different forms and levels of accreditation, forming multicultural competence in professional education of different specializations, forming multicultural competence and/or its components among foreign students, especially foreign medical students. Key words: multicultural competence, foreign medical students, humanitarian disciplines.

Hematology is a difficult aspect of medicine for students to learn. Students need hematology clerkship training to develop their clinical skills. The influence of gender on different teaching methods and performance in foreign medical students is still unknown, especially in hematology clerkship. To address this issue, we tested performance differences between foreign male and female students in clinical practice. Twenty-two foreign medical students attended a two-week hematology clerkship in Fujian Medical University Union Hospital. The lecture-based learning (LBL) method and mixed team-based learning (MTBL) method were used in hematology clerkship. Eight foreign students were assigned to LBL group, and fourteen foreign medical students were assigned to MTBL group. Our previous work found that MTBL methods benefit both foreign medical students and Chinese postgraduates. In this study, practice scores and case-writing scores were analyzed between boys and girls. The results showed that the mean of scores in practice test scores and case writing scores was not significantly different between genders (P&gt;0.05), as well as subgroup analysis in LBL and MTBL groups (P&gt;0.05). This study indicated that practice test scores and case-writing scores in hematology clerkship were the same between boys and girls, which were not related to teaching methods. This study also indicated that both genders can benefit from the new MTBL teaching methods.

The aim of the present study is to do a comparative analysis of some aspects of theoretical and practical teaching of physiology to second year Bulgarian and foreign medical students from the Medical University-Varna. We conducted a survey among 206 Bulgarian and foreign students, enrolled in the Bulgarian and English language programs. The questionnaire included questions, which allowed us to draw conclusions about the attendance, respectively non-attendance, of physiology classes and the reasons for this; the student evaluation of both the physiology course and the importance of the knowledge gained in the study of physiology during the course of the medical education. The analysis of the results reveals similar trends in the assessment of Bulgarian and foreign students regarding their evaluation of the physiology teaching. The research is a first attempt to compare and analyze some aspects of teaching physiology to Bulgarian and foreign medical students from the second year of study. The data obtained provide information on some common problems in teaching physiology and could serve as a basis for a comparative study over a longer period.

Objective : Based on the survey of the knowledge-attitude-belief and practice to tobacco control between Chinese and foreign medical students in Soochow University, the authors intended to explore the current situation, differences and influencing factors of Chinese and foreign medical students, in order to provide a reference for tobacco control policies and measures set by the Medical College of Soochow University. Methods : By stratified sampling, we selected 200 Chinese medical students and 200 foreign medical students of Medical College in different grades and different majors, and adopted anonymous questionnaires to investigate. Results : The smoking rates of Chinese and foreign male medical students were 7.4%, 15.5% respectively , while female medical students' smoking rates were 0.0, 8.1% respectively. Foreign medical students’ daily smoking was mostly 4~10, which was significantly greater than the Chinese medical students （ P &lt;0.05）; besides, the identification degree to the responsibilities and duties for smoking control of the professional medical staff were both higher. The influence of the different smoking rates between Chinese and foreign medical students was mainly ethnic background, and the influences of the different smoking behavior mainly depended on their knowledge and attitude towards tobacco control. Conclusion : There is a need for schools to adopt health education measure to promote the school tobacco control based on the differences of the knowledge-attitude-belief and practice to tobacco control between Chinese and Foreign Medical students. Help medical students to translate knowledge of tobacco control they have already mastered into belief, and further affect their behavior.

Introduction: Depression and anxiety disorders are much more common among medical students than in the general population. Due to additional risk factors, foreign students may be particularly vulnerable. Despite this, there is still an insufficient number of studies analyzing the prevalence of mental disorders among foreign medical students, especially in Poland. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess and compare the prevalence of anxiety and depression disorders between domestic and foreign medical students in Poland. Material and methods: An anonymous internet survey containing questions about socio-demography and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaire was distributed among students. Based on the field of study and country of origin, participants were divided into 3 groups – Polish medical student group (PMG, n = 214); foreign medical student group (FMG, n = 59) and control group, which were Polish students of other faculties (CG, n = 476). The study groups were compared using the χ2 test. Results and discussion: The prevalence of depression disorders was 30%, 31% and 28% (PMG, FMG and CG, respectively). No statistically significant difference was observed between the study groups (P = 0.77). The prevalence of anxiety disorders was 57%, 90% and 59% (PMG, FMG and CG, respectively). Anxiety disorders were more common among FMG as compared to PMG and CG (P &lt; 0.01 in both cases). Conclusions: The prevalence of depression and anxiety among medical students in Poland is high. Foreign medical students appear to be particularly vulnerable to anxiety disorders.

This study compares the effectiveness of short-term individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychological educational training, and pharmacological treatment without psychotherapy in reducing levels of depression and stress among foreign medical students from African countries. Methods: The study included 71 first- to third-year students from various African countries. The participants were divided into three groups according to treatment tactics: 1) CBT; 2) pharmacological treatment with SSRI group antidepressants; 3) psychoeducational training. Before and after treatment, levels of depression (Beck Depression Inventory) and stress (PSM-25) were measured. Treatment satisfaction was assessed using a Likert scale. Results: Psychotherapy was significantly more effective than pharmacological treatment and psychoeducational training in reducing levels of depression (p≤0.01) and stress (p≤0.01). There were no significant differences between pharmacological treatment and training. Satisfaction with psychotherapy was higher than with pharmacological treatment (p≤0.01). Conclusions: Short-term individual CBT is more effective than pharmacological treatment and psychoeducational training in reducing symptoms of depression and stress among foreign medical students from Africa. Commitment to non-pharmacological methods and their subjective evaluation are higher than that for pharmacotherapy with antidepressants.

Clinical intemship is an important part of medical education.Medical eduezlion for foreign individuals in China has been initiated for a few years.Given the cultural and language background of foreign medical students,It is necessary to study and accumulate experience in developing an effective systern to manage their clinical intemship.We are here to present our approaches,such as teaching with both Chinese and English,arranging for Chinese students and foreign students to work together,to impmve surgical internship for foreign medical students in West China Medical School Key words: Foreign student; Surgical internship; Surgery education

Background: In Romania, foreign medical students have the possibility to learn the same curricula in Romanian, English, or French. The purpose of the study: To compare students’ satisfaction with training and future career opportunities from the perspective of Romanian and foreign students. Methods: The study was conducted for terminal year medical students divided into two samples, Romanian and foreign language students. The participants were invited to fill in a satisfaction questionnaire about their professional training and to express preferences for future career. Results: Foreign students were more satisfied with the lectures and the teaching staff. They attended optional lectures more frequently in comparison with Romanian students. Foreign students were more inclined to attend medical conferences and to enroll in PhD programs. While Romanian students were more inclined to consider emigration, foreign students prefer to practice in their native countries. Conclusions: Compared to their Romanian colleagues, foreign students were more engaged in educational and research activities.

Focusing our attention on the current situation,we made an investigation of the foreign medical students studying in Chongqing Medical University by way of issuing questionnaires and giving objective interviews,to collect and analyze information including their reasons for studying in China,learning motivations,language skills,study needs,learning difficulties and solutions,evaluation of teaching results, future career options after graduation and interest in Chinese culture. We summarized the relevant issues and proposed improvement plan for future international education. Key words: Foreign students; Medical education; Current situation; Questionnaire survey

University students tend to have poor dietary practices, which ultimately affect their nutritional status. International students are becoming more prevalent in China. The current study aimed to compare the nutritional status, knowledge attitude and practices (KAP) and dietary intake between international and Chinese students in China. A comparative study was conducted in undergraduate students of Nanjing Medical University aged 17–31 years including 308 international and 393 Chinese students. Data was collected by self-administered questionnaire. Body composition was detected by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Student t-test and chi square test were used for comparison. Linear regressions were used for association of nutritional status with determinants. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in international student was higher than Chinese students. International male and female students were having significantly (p < 0.05) high BMI and percent body fats than Chinese male and female students. Nutritional KAP scores of Chinese students was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than international students. As for diet consumption, daily milk consumption was high in international students while daily egg and weekly fish and meat consumption were found more in Chinese students. Fast foods and carbonated drinks weekly consumption was significantly (p < 0.001) high in international students. After adjusted for age, gender, education, sleeping duration and physical exercise, the inverse association of nutritional KAP with BMI remained significant. Our data indicate that international students had more percent body fats, less nutritional KAP scores and unhealthy dietary habits than Chinese students. Proper nutrition education and guidance for improving good habits and nutritional status is suggested for international students.

Objective International students in the US often adopt unhealthy dietary behaviors, perhaps due to lack of familiarity and social support. This study examined the impact of social support on international college students’ dietary behaviors. Participants This study surveyed international students (N = 318) from five public universities in one Midwest state. Methods Participants completed an electronic survey assessing self-reported eating habits and perceived social support using the Social Support for Eating Habits and the Starting the Conversation (STC) scales. Data analyses included multiple linear regression and multiple logistic regression to test the study’s hypotheses. Comparisons were made to explore the impact of perceived social support on international students’ dietary behaviors. Results Significant predictors of unhealthy dietary behaviors included region of origin (specifically, being from East Asia, Europe and North America) and having families that discouraged healthy eating habits. Additionally, living with immediate family members significantly decreased students’ likelihood of having higher friend encouragement for healthy eating habits. Finally, the amount of time participants spent in the US significantly increased their likelihood of having more discouragement of healthy eating from their friends. Conclusions International students’ unhealthy eating habits increased when their families discouraged them from healthy eating. Interventions promoting healthy diet among international students should consider including family members to increase social support for healthy eating habits.

In today’s globalized world, the academic migration of persons receiving higher education outside their home countries is gaining more and more popularity. The main factor in the success of obtaining a professional qualification in foreign universities is proficiency in the language in which educational services are provided. For foreign applicants for higher education (in particular, medical one) in Ukraine, the language of instruction is Ukrainian or English, but in any case, the language of interaction in the academic and sociocultural environment is the state language of the country of study. So, foreign students who receive higher medical education in Ukraine in English, master the Ukrainian language as a means of communicative interaction in the social, cultural, educational and academic environment, and also during clinical practice. This article presents a model of the result of language education of foreign medical students – their professional and communicative image. An accurate understanding of the learning outcome, focus on this result will significantly increase the effectiveness of the educational process. The author describes the structure and content of the studied phenomenon. The professional and communicative image of a doctor is a complex multicomponent phenomenon, the formation of which ensures the success of the communicative act in the professional sphere. This research provides a generalized list of requirements for the personality of a healthcare professional. The listed qualities should be manifested in a certain communicative style through strategies and tactics, and their implementation is ensured by knowledge of the necessary language means and mastery of skills in various types of speech activity. The model of professional and communicative image developed by the author as a result of teaching the Ukrainian language to foreign medical students has three levels: psychological, cognitive, and operational. The components of the psychological level are moral and ethical, volitional, organizational-communicative and professional-communicative qualities of a future doctor; knowledge of communication strategies and tactics required by a highly qualified physician, as well as typical genres of medical discourse constitute the cognitive-communicative level; language units we refer to the cognitive-language level; empathic listening, tolerant speaking, reading and writing in the clinical field are referred to the operational level. The linguodidactic description of the components of the studied phenomenon served as the basis for the development of a multi-aspect model of language education for foreign medical students in the English-language form of education.

The number of foreign students in domestic higher education institutions has steadily increased over the past two decades. However, due to information and cultural barriers, this trend is slowing down. Foreign medical students travel abroad in search of a good education and adequate learning conditions. For the choice of the country of study and educational institution, the decisive factors are accessibility, social ties, as well as the education system in accordance with the principle of achieving the goal. Communication with other foreign students is not seen as a problem, and foreign medical students are most concerned about social isolation due to linguistic, intercultural and religious differences. Providing access to the University education system, material, technical and informational environment, social support, creating conditions for cultural integration, and fostering religious tolerance help foreign medical students in many ways. Thus, the creation of a special adaptive environment, as well as the development of adequate intercultural relations, along with a person-oriented educational process, contribute to the successful achievement of the goal of foreign students ' stay in the educational environment of the University.