The COVID-19 Pandemic Fear and Psychological Status of the Medical Students of a Private Medical College in Bangladesh

Background: Imposter syndrome (IS), suffering from self-doubt and fear, despite clear accomplishment and competencies, is often detected in medical students and adversely affects the well-being of the student. This study aimed at assessing the prevalence of IS among public and private medical students in Bangladesh. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional design among medical students in Bangladesh. Data were collected between February to July 2020 through snowball sampling technique across medical colleges in Bangladesh. Relative risk ratios (RRRs) with 95% CI were calculated to investigate the magnitude of association between imposter syndrome exposure and explanatory variables. Results: A total of 500 students participated in this study with approximately 47% and 53% of students studying at public and private medical colleges, respectively. Around 32% of medical students were exposed to IS (47% of public and 53% of private medical college students). Medical students were the most significantly associated with IS for third (RR: 1.487, CI: 1.068-2.071) and fourth-year students (RR: 1.493, CI: 1.043-2.136). Overall, we found that respondents aged 22 to 25 were 3.6% (RR:1.036, CI:0.801-1.339) more likely to be suffering from IS than their younger counterparts. Conclusion: Third and fourth-year medical students, in particular, require more care than others; teachers and authorities should provide them with proper guidance and care, encourage them, and thus grow their self-reliance and confidence.

Antibiotic misuse represent a significant global health challenge, with medical students positioned as key figures in promoting responsible antibiotic usage. This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding antibiotic use among medical students in Bangladesh, aiming to identify areas for targeted educational and policy interventions. This cross-sectional survey was conducted among 501 medical students across various years of study in Bangladesh, collecting data over a 3-month period. The survey assessed antibiotic knowledge, usage practices, and attitudes towards misuse, employing descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses to explore associations between students' demographic characteristics and their KAP towards antibiotics. Significance was assigned at p-value < 0.05. In our study involving 501 medical students from four medical colleges in Bangladesh, we achieved a 76% response rate. Among the participants, 78.24% correctly identified antibiotics' effectiveness against bacterial infections, but 45.71% were uncertain about their efficacy against viral infections. Notably, 21.20% reported self-prescribing antibiotics, predominantly sourced from physician prescriptions (54.89%). The most common reason for antibiotic use was fever (19.02%). Senior students were less likely to have good knowledge compared to junior students, and urban students demonstrated a higher likelihood of good knowledge and positive attitude towards antibiotic resistance. This study highlights the critical need for educational reforms and antimicrobial stewardship among medical students in Bangladesh to combat antibiotic misuse and mitigate antimicrobial resistance.

BackgroundMedical students experience high levels of stress owing to their demanding academic environment, which can significantly impact their sleep quality. This study aimed to assess the status of stress and sleep quality among medical students in Bangladesh and identify the factors influencing these conditions.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 280 undergraduate medical students selected by stratified random sampling from four medical colleges in Bangladesh. Data were collected using a self-report questionnaire covering sociodemographic details, stress- and sleep-related factors, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.ResultsThe study revealed that 65.7% of students experienced stress, which was categorized as mild (27.5%), moderate (22.1%), or severe (16.1%). Poor sleep quality was prevalent in 72.1% of students, with 48.2% being moderately poor sleepers and 23.9% being very poor sleepers. Factors significantly associated with stress included female sex, higher academic year, lack of physical activity, high parental expectations, academic concerns, lack of a doctor in the family, and parental influence in choosing medical education. Poor sleep quality was significantly linked to stress, female sex, hostel residency, increased screen time before sleep, late dinner, daytime naps, coffee intake, and late-night snacks.ConclusionThis study highlights the high prevalence of stress and poor sleep quality among medical students in Bangladesh. Stress significantly contributes to sleep disturbances, and various lifestyle and academic factors exacerbate these issues. Targeted interventions, including stress management programs and the promotion of healthier sleep, are essential for improving students’ well-being and academic performance.

Given the rapid growth of the pharmaceutical industry and the increasing use of medication, ecopharmacovigilance (EPV) has become an effective approach for managing and reducing the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals. EPV addresses and explains the undesired environmental effects of pharmaceutical use. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, perceptions, and practices related to the disposal of unused and expired medications among undergraduate medical students in Bangladesh. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 3 months, from August to October 2024, at Armed Forces Medical College, Mugda Medical College and Hospital, and Shahabuddin Medical College in Dhaka. A total of 300 3rd- and 4th-year medical students from these medical colleges in Bangladesh completed a self-administered questionnaire. In this study, knowledge of EPV was found to be only 27%. Overall, medical students&amp;rsquo; perceptions of environmental medication contamination and EPV were encouraging. Among those interviewed, 54.3% &amp;ldquo;strongly agreed&amp;rdquo; that leftover medications could have a negative impact on the environment. Despite knowledge of the environmental risks posed by pharmaceuticals, the common practice of storing medications at home until they expire and then discarding them persists. This highlights both a lack of knowledge and the absence of safe disposal procedures. Thus, greater efforts are needed to improve medical students&amp;rsquo; knowledge of EPV. Respondents also expressed a preference for evidence-based and environmentally friendly methods for disposing of unwanted medications.

This descriptive type of cross sectional mixed method study was conducted with four specific objectives to understand the perception, area, ways and barriers in socialization of undergraduate medical students in Bangladesh. The study was conducted in 8 (eight) medical colleges of which 6 (six) are public and 2 (two) are private. The study was conducted for one year from July 2017 to June 2018. Total 712 student of final phase participated in the study. In- depth interview was conducted with teachers. Convenience sampling technique for selection of the students whereas medical colleges were selected purposefully. Study revealed that most of the asked parameters related to patient care and humanistic attitude was taught to the undergraduate medical students of the selected medical colleges in Bangladesh. There are few concerns though in some area like number of role models and presence of negative role models among the teachers. Contents, aim and objectives of the current curriculum is vastly unknown to teachers. A conscious attempts to be made to transform medical students in a positive manner. Teachers should be selected following a proper career planning and they should undergo some kind of courses before deployment which would give them an understanding on teaching methodology and capability to foster ethically compatible as well as technically skill medical students of current era.&#x0D; Bangladesh Journal of Medical Education Vol.10(1) 2019: 14-19

This study was done to investigate the prevalence of depression and suicidal ideation among private medical students in Bangladesh. A total of 237 medical students participated in this cross-sectional web-based survey by e-questionnaire using the Google Form. The study was conducted from November 2020 to December 2020 at Enam Medical College and Hospital which is situated in Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Out of 237 medical students, prevalence of depression was found 58.6%, and prevalence of suicidal ideation was found 27.4% which is higher than the global prevalence. Bivariate and multivariate analysis and logistic regression-based odds ratios (ORs) was done to see the association between grade of depression and suicidal thoughts with different variables. Association between grade of depression with family problems (x2 = 16.716, P = 0.001), drug addiction (x2 = 16.601, P = 0.001), committed relationship status (x2 = 40.292, P = <0.001) were statistically significant. Whereas, the association between suicidal thoughts with family problems (x2 = 29.881, P = <0.001), failed any subject during study (x2 = 12.024, P = 0.007), alcohol uses (x2 = 15.977, P = 0.001), drug addiction (x2 = 22.633, P = <0.001), committed relationship status (x2 = 35.219, P = <0.001) were statistically significant. However, medical students whom had to earn other than their family income were 2.3 times (OR: 2.285, 95% CL: 0.897, 5.820) greater prone to be depressed than those who do not had to earn by themselves. On the contrary, medical students who are single were 2.35 times (OR: 2.352, 95% CL: 0.926, 5.973) greater prone to have suicidal thoughts than the married students. This study showed that a large percentage of Bangladeshi medical students have been suffering from depression and suicidal ideation. Our recommendation for the authority of the medical colleges are, to build a system with counselling facilities inside every medical colleges in Bangladesh.

This study was done to investigate the prevalence of depression and suicidal ideation among private medical students in Bangladesh. A total of 237 medical students participated in this cross-sectional web-based survey by e-questionnaire using the Google Form. The study was conducted from November 2020 to December 2020 at Enam Medical College and Hospital which is situated in Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Out of 237 medical students, prevalence of depression was found 58.6%, and prevalence of suicidal ideation was found 27.4% which is higher than the global prevalence. Bivariate and multivariate analysis and logistic regression-based odds ratios (ORs) was done to see the association between grade of depression and suicidal thoughts with different variables. Association between grade of depression with family problems (x2 = 16.716, P = 0.001), drug addiction (x2 = 16.601, P = 0.001), committed relationship status (x2 = 40.292, P = <0.001) were statistically significant. Whereas, the association between suicidal thoughts with family problems (x2 = 29.881, P = <0.001), failed any subject during study (x2 = 12.024, P = 0.007), alcohol uses (x2 = 15.977, P = 0.001), drug addiction (x2 = 22.633, P = <0.001), committed relationship status (x2 = 35.219, P = <0.001) were statistically significant. However, medical students whom had to earn other than their family income were 2.3 times (OR: 2.285, 95% CL: 0.897, 5.820) greater prone to be depressed than those who do not had to earn by themselves. On the contrary, medical students who are single were 2.35 times (OR: 2.352, 95% CL: 0.926, 5.973) greater prone to have suicidal thoughts than the married students. This study showed that a large percentage of Bangladeshi medical students have been suffering from depression and suicidal ideation. Our recommendation for the authority of the medical colleges are, to build a system with counselling facilities inside every medical colleges in Bangladesh.

Background: Suicide among medical students is a global public health concern; however, it is often addressed poorly in developing countries like Bangladesh. This study aims to examine suicidal behaviors among undergraduate medical students in Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted between February and July of 2019. Data were collected from 583 MBBS students at Bangladesh’s public and private medical colleges. A convenience sampling method was used, and data were collected through a pretested semi-constructed questionnaire. Results: A lifetime suicidal ideation was found among 23.8% of the participants. Significant associations were found among lifetime suicidal ideation, plan and attempt with depression, comorbidity, and family history. Multivariable logistic regression models revealed that a family history of suicide attempts or death by suicide increased the odds six-fold for ideation, over sixfold for a plan, and threefold for an attempt. Females were twice likely to be susceptible to suicide ideation, plan, and attempt. Conclusion: Suicidality appears high among medical students in Bangladesh. Levels of depression, comorbidities, as well as substance abuse affect lifetime suicide ideation. A previous history of attempting or committing suicide in the respondent’s family increases the individual risk for ideation, plan, and attempt. Females are more vulnerable than males.

Background. Imposter syndrome (IS), associated with self‐doubt and fear despite clear accomplishments and competencies, is frequently detected in medical students and has a negative impact on their well‐being. This study aimed to predict the students’ IS using the machine learning ensemble approach. Methods. This study was a cross‐sectional design among medical students in Bangladesh. Data were collected from February to July 2020 through snowball sampling technique across medical colleges in Bangladesh. In this study, we employed three different machine learning techniques such as neural network, random forest, and ensemble learning to compare the accuracy of prediction of the IS. Results. In total, 500 students completed the questionnaire. We used the YIS scale to determine the presence of IS among medical students. The ensemble model has the highest accuracy of this predictive model, with 96.4%, while the individual accuracy of random forest and neural network is 93.5% and 96.3%, respectively. We used different performance matrices to compare the results of the models. Finally, we compared feature importance scores between neural network and random forest model. The top feature of the neural network model is Y7, and the top feature of the random forest model is Y2, which is second among the top features of the neural network model. Conclusions. Imposter syndrome is an emerging mental illness in Bangladesh and requires the immediate attention of researchers. For instance, in order to reduce the impact of IS, identifying key factors responsible for IS is an important step. Machine learning methods can be employed to identify the potential sources responsible for IS. Similarly, determining how each factor contributes to the IS condition among medical students could be a potential future direction.

Excessive internet use is a growing concern globally, and internet addiction negatively impacts academic performance. Limited research has been conducted on this topic among undergraduate medical students in Bangladesh. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of internet addiction and its impact on academic performance among medical students in Bangladesh, with a focus on the role of yoga in reducing Internet addiction as a proposed intervention. A cross-sectional study was conducted among third-year medical students in four colleges in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Simple random sampling techniques were used to select participants, and data were collected using pretested questionnaires and a checklist for office records through face-to-face interviews. SPSS version 25 was used for data processing and analysis. Out of 312 students, 84% were addicted to the internet, and only 16% were normal. In total, 64.4% had good results in the first professional examination, while 35.6% had poor results. In total, 85.9% had good attendance, while 14.1% had poor attendance. The association between internet addiction level and first professional examination results and class attendance was highly significant. This study highlights the high prevalence and negative impacts of internet addiction among medical students in Bangladesh. The study suggests that promoting awareness about healthy technology use, establishing a better balance between internet usage and academic study, and encouraging the practice of yoga can help alleviate this problem. Further research and interventions are needed to tackle this emerging public health issue. Encouraging students to use the internet for academic purposes and providing education and resources can help promote healthy technology use. Healthcare professionals should also be aware of the risks and encourage seeking help if needed.

This descriptive type of cross sectional study was carried out to find out the causes of dropouts and repeated failures (defaulters) of medical students in Bangladesh. The study was carried out in seven (Three government and four Nongovernment) medical colleges in Bangladesh over a period from July 2011 to June 2012. All dropout and defaulter students were the study population. A total of 59 respondents were interviewed, out of them 11 respondents were dropouts and 48 were defaulters. Convenience sampling technique was adopted and data was collected by the researcher himself. Data was collected from those who got admitted in medical college in the year 2003 and thereafter. So, medial students of different level and intern doctors, who were agreed, were enrolled for collection of data by face to face in depth interview. Study revealed that the most important reasons for dropouts and defaulters were lacking of personal interest and less capability for understanding the medical subjects, non-friendly and non-cooperative attitude of teachers; content overloaded curriculum and threatening environment of oral examinations; personal illness and illness of family members; poor institutional set up; lack of facilities for counseling and remedial actions. Among the respondents it was also found that the male and the higher economic class students were more dropped out or became defaulters in the professional examinations. Study also revealed some valuable suggestions to avoid occurrences of dropouts and defaulters. Suggestions were strict regularity, sincerity and attention should be paid to all types of classes including lectures, clinical, tutorial and practical; personal interest and ability should be given highest importance in case of medical admission. They also emphasized on the revision of medical curriculum where the needs of the students would be reflected and the curriculum should be more appropriate and practical oriented. A coordinated class, tutorials and examination system should be developed in each medical college, so that all students can prepare themselves for examination properly. They also suggested that teachers and examiners at all levels should be friendly and cooperative, and should pay special attention to the poor performing students to overcome their weaknesses. They also suggested that study in partnership should be encouraged and there should be adequate hostel arrangement with proper food and recreation facilities. The respondents also suggested for provision of counseling facilities and make-up classes for academically weak students. They further suggested that special sympathy and support should be provided to those who are ill or who are sufferer for the illness of parents or any other family members. Further analytic studies with representative samples should be conducted which will include students with acceptable level of performance (students who pass regularly and if failure, not more than once during whole MBBS course) as well as students whose performance below acceptable level (defaulters and dropouts). This type of study will help to determine the reasons of defaulters and dropouts. So the appropriate strategy can be adopted to avoid dropouts and defaulters. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjme.v2i2.18134 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Education Vol.2(2) 2011: 1-6

BackgroundThe involvement of undergraduate medical students in research is pivotal for the advancement of evidence-based clinical practice. This study aimed to assess the extent of research involvement and the factors influencing it among undergraduate medical students in Bangladesh.MethodsA multi-center cross-sectional study involving 2864 medical students from both public and private medical colleges was conducted between June and December 2023. Data on demographics, research involvement, participation in research training, future career aspirations in research, and obstacles encountered by students were collected. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 25.ResultsThe mean age of the students was 21.8 ± 1.8 (SD) years, with the majority being female (61.8%). Overall, 21.5% (n = 617) were actively participating in research beyond academic activities. Approximately 7% (n = 205) had undergone formal research training, and 6.5% (n = 187) had experience in publications in peer-reviewed journals as first authors or coauthors. A total of 45.5% of the students faced multiple challenges during participating in research, with the two most difficult tasks being designing a study (26.7%) and data collection and recruitment of study participants (19.6%). Almost half of the students (47.2%, n = 1352) showed an interest in pursuing a research career in the near future. The primary barriers preventing students from choosing a future research career were insufficient mentorship (16.3%), the perception of a lengthy career path (17.2%), and limited funding opportunities (15.9%). Factors that significantly encouraged research involvement included being male (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.5, 95% CI: 1.2–1.8), studying in the senior academic phase (aOR 3.9, 95% CI: 2.7–5.6), previous education from an English-medium educational institute (aOR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2–2.2), and encouragement from faculty (aOR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1–1.7).ConclusionThe proportion of research participation among the students was relatively low. To promote research engagement among undergraduate medical students in Bangladesh, comprehensive policy formulation and strong commitment at the highest levels are essential. Integrating national research policy into the curriculum could serve as a strategic measure for achieving this objective.

Background and objectives: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection differs in relation to the human population, age, living conditions, lifestyle, socioeconomic status and geographic location. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of H.pylori infection among students of Ibrahim Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the K.A. Monsur Research Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Ibrahim Medical College. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information and clinical history. Blood and stool samples were collected from each participant. Serum H. pylori CagA IgG and H.pylori IgA antibodies were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and H. pylori stool antigen (HPSAg) was detected by immunochromatographic test (ICT). Results: A total of 85 participants were enrolled in this study. The overall H. pylori infection rate was 69.4% by positive stool antigen test and /or the presence of H. pylori specific CagA IgG or IgA antibodies in serum. H. pylori stool antigen was detected in 9 (10.6%) individuals, of whom 8 (88.9%) were also positive for H. pylori specific CagA IgG and / or IgA antibodies. Among 85 participants, CagA IgG and IgA were positive in 43 (50.6%) and 46 (54.1%) students, respectively, while 31 (36.5%) were positive for both antibodies. IgA positivity rate was significantly higher (p≤0.005) in individuals who tested positive for CagA-IgG compared to those negative for CagA-IgG antibody. Gastrointestinal symptoms were reported by 17 (20.0%) participants, while 68 (80.0%) were asymptomatic. No significant difference in antibody positivity rates was observed between symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals in this study. Conclusion: The study revealed that H. pylori infection is common among the medical students in Bangladesh. This underscores the importance of improving awareness and early detection strategies among medical students to minimize transmission and associated health risks. July 2025; Vol. 19(2):009. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.19.019 *Correspondence: Shahida Akter, Department of Microbiology. Ibrahim Medical College, 1/A Ibrahim Sarani, Shegunbagicha, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh. Email: shahidamicro@gmail.com © 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License(CC BY 4.0).

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Different studies showed the high prevalence of LBP among medical students. However, no study has been conducted on Bangladeshi medical students to estimate the prevalence of LBP. This study evaluated the prevalence, characteristics, and associated risk factors of LBP among medical students in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2020 among randomly selected 270 medical students and medical interns in Faridpur Medical College, Bangladesh, using an online questionnaire. In data analysis, chi-square test and binary logistic regression were performed, and a p-value of < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: A total of 207 participants responded fully to the survey, and were included in the analysis. The mean age of the participants was 22.36 ± 1.915 years. The point, 6-month, and 12-month prevalence of LBP was 25.6%, 46.9%, and 63.3%, respectively. In most participants, LBP was localized (53.2%), recurrent (64.9%), undiagnosed (70.8%), affected for a short period (55%), and relieved without receiving any treatment (60.4%). Participants who had a significantly higher 12-month prevalence of LBP included females (72.2% vs 52.2%), with BMI >25 kg/m 2 (73.2% vs 56.7%), those who performed physical activity at low to moderate frequency (72.4% vs 29.5%), those who spent > 6 hours/day by sitting (71.3% vs 45.3%), and those who did not have enough rest time (92.7% vs 56%). Ergonomic features of chairs, such as having back support, adjustable back support, and adjustable sitting surface, significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the outcomes. Conclusion: The prevalence of LBP among medical students in Bangladesh was high, and most of the risk factors associated with the high prevalence of LBP were modifiable. Hence, LBP can be prevented by implementing preventive strategies and providing ergonomic training and physical activity facilities.

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Different studies showed the high prevalence of LBP among medical students. However, no study has been conducted on Bangladeshi medical students to estimate the prevalence of LBP. This study determined the prevalence, characteristics, and associated risk factors of LBP among medical students in Bangladesh.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2020 among randomly selected 270 medical students and medical interns in Faridpur Medical College, Bangladesh, using an online questionnaire. In data analysis, chi-square test and binary logistic regression were performed, and a p-value of < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant.Results: A total of 207 participants responded fully to the survey, and were included in the analysis. The mean age of the participants was 22.4 ± 1.9 years. The point, 6-month, and 12-month prevalence of LBP was 25.6%, 46.9%, and 63.3%, respectively. In most participants, LBP was localized (53.2%), recurrent (64.9%), non-specific (70.8%), affected for a short period (55%), and relieved without receiving any treatment (60.4%). Participants who had a significantly higher 12-month prevalence of LBP included females (72.2% vs 52.2%), with BMI >25 kg/m2 (73.2% vs 56.7%), those who performed physical activity at low to moderate frequency (72.4% vs 29.5%), those who spent > 6 hours/day by sitting (71.3% vs 45.3%), and those who did not have enough rest time (92.7% vs 56%). Ergonomic features of chairs, such as having back support, adjustable back support, and adjustable sitting surface, significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the outcomes.Conclusion: The prevalence of LBP among medical students in Bangladesh was high, and most of the risk factors associated with the high prevalence of LBP were modifiable. Hence, LBP can be prevented by implementing preventive strategies and providing ergonomic training and physical activity facilities.