Use and Need of Computer among Medical Students

Abstract

As the present era is of science and technology, computer one of its grains gradually catering every field of the world including field of medicine. This study was done to enlighten the perspective and implications of computer among medical students with the objective to assess the use and need of computer among them. A cross sectional study was carried out on 125 medical students including undergraduates (UGs) and post graduates (PGs). All were interviewed by using pretested, semi structured Proforma. Out of 125 students 87% UGs & 100 % PGs having computer knowledge. Majority of students 82 (73.21%) have got their computer knowledge through self learning. 1 to 2 times per week to once in month was most common frequency among UGs 69(79.3%) and in PGs it was daily (approx) to 2 to 3 times per week use 22(88%). 98.8% UG’s use computer < 2 hr/day as compared to PGs >2 hr/day (88%). Cyber café & their institution were most common places for use of computer in UGs (77.01%) in contrast to PGs who use same in personal rooms (88%). Internet & email was most common purpose of use of computer in UGs (95.4%) where as in PGs it was for study (100%). Majority of PGs (100%) & UGs (95%) got agreed for inclusion of computer in medical curriculum which might boost up their carrier development. There is urgent need of inclusion of computer and internet in the curriculum of medical students to make their carrier more bright and nurtured.