Neuroanatomy course: a nightmare for Nigerian medical students (719.16)

Abstract

Appreciating basic neuro‐anatomy by medical students plays a vital role in their understanding of the pool of neurological diseases and illnesses found in Nigeria and sub‐Saharan Africa. This study was conducted to ascertain the perception of Nigerian medical students about neuro‐anatomy in comparison with other aspects of human anatomy course. The study participants are third year students from 2 medical schools in Northwestern Nigeria. Anonymous and voluntary questionnaire was distributed to the randomly selected participants. To date, out of the 120 questionnaires distributed, a total of 116 have been completed and returned. Information obtained has been entered into Microsoft Excel Worksheet after which relevant descriptive and inferential statistics will be applied. Preliminary findings from the completed and returned questionnaires, revealed that majority of the medical students perceived neuro‐anatomy course as the most difficult aspect of human anatomy. So far, 60% of the respondents consider poor teaching methodology employed by the neuro‐anatomy tutors as the main reason for their negative perception and suggested the use of models as well as teaching aids to enhance learning. This study would probably give a hint as to why most medical graduates never considered picking up careers in neurology or neuroscience related fields, thus making it difficult to address the health challenges noticed in these fields of endeavors.