College In Karnataka Research Articles

Barriers to Communication in Undergraduate Medical Education: Perspectives of Students From Karnataka, India.

Background Communication barriers in medical education can impede learning. Understanding these barriers from students' perspectives is crucial for developing effective solutions. The objectives of this study were to identify the barriers to communication in undergraduate medical education and their solutions from students' perspectives as well as to determine the demographic factors associated with these barriers. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2018 to July 2019 among undergraduate students at a medical college in Karnataka. Using a stratified sampling method, data was collected from 400 students via a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, and logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between demographic factors and barriers to communication. Results Students identified several communication barriers, primarily in the domains of language, environment, psychology, and teacher-related issues. Key barriers in theory classes included the use of medical jargon, overcrowding, faulty microphones, absent-mindedness, peer pressure, fast-paced teaching, monotonous sessions, and information overload. In practical classes, barriers were overcrowding, absent-mindedness, and fast-paced teaching, and for clinical case discussions, barriers included difficulty understanding the local language, overcrowding, and leg pain. Proposed solutions by students for theory classes included simpler explanations, smaller batches, microphone maintenance, interactive lectures, and breaks between classes. For practical classes, solutions were smaller practical batches, interactive sessions, and simpler explanations of topics, while for case discussion, solutions included optional local language classes, smaller groups, and better seating arrangements. Conclusion This study highlights key communication barriers in medical education and underscores the influence of demographic factors such as gender and academic year. The solutions proposed by the students are practical and could enhance communication and the overall educational experience if implemented in medical colleges across India.

Prevalence of depression and its associated factors among medical students of a rural medical college in Karnataka

Introduction: Depression among medical students is an overlooked public health issue in India. Addressing this problem is crucial to prevent its negative impact on educational performance and career development through early detection and appropriate interventions. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among medical students. Materials and methods: 305 medical students selected randomly were assessed for depression using the Beck Depression Inventory. The relationships between depression and various factors, including academic year, social influences such as addictive habits, family issues, a history of depression, and living away from home were assessed. Results: 137 (44.91%) students were found to have some degree of depression according to Becks Inventory Scale. Majority (81.02%) of them were found to have mild to moderate depression while the prevalence of severe and very severe depression was 6.10% and 2.25% respectively. The difference between the grade of depression and year of studying was found to be statistically significant. Factors such as being coerced into the MBBS program instead of choosing it, academic performance during the course, and a history of previous depression had a significant impact on the likelihood of developing depression. Conclusion: Depression is notably common among medical students in this region. Our results highlight the need for widespread screening and psychiatric counseling for this vulnerable group. Keywords: medical students; depression; Becks depression; inventory scale

The Determinants of Work and Life Quality and Job Satisfaction Among Faculty

Unless the teachers are happy with their current job, they might not be able to demonstrate their commitment in delivering the contents efficiently and there may not be complete utilization of the skills of teachers. Quality of Work - Life leads to create motivation, loyalty and flexibility in the workforce. All these factors are crucial for competitiveness of the organizations and also Quality of Work - life leads to reduce absenteeism, turnover rate and increase their Job Satisfaction. Job satisfaction is one of the significant factors that impact relationship between teachers and students. The main objective of the study is to examine the factors affecting quality of work life and job satisfaction among academic staff of private degree colleges in Karnataka. Descriptive research methodology was used to find out the results for the hypothesis set. Structured questionnaire and interview method was used to collect the data. Sample frame consisted of all the management teachers teaching in 86 private higher educational institutions in Karnataka offering management degree. The sample size consisted of 264 lecturers. The analysis is carried out by SPSS software. The main results revealed that, Employees expected QWL and factors relating to organisational commitment in creating quality of work - life in a private degree colleges have significant relationship with job satisfaction. Regression equation tool was applied for the analysis to find the relationship between the variables selected.

Unveiling the entrepreneurial mindset: exploring orientation and intentions among students of prominent engineering disciplines

The advent of Industry 4.0 presents a spectrum of challenges for entrepreneurs in India, demanding specific skills and resources. Within this transformative landscape, engineering disciplines assume a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of the new industrial revolution yet pose challenges in instilling entrepreneurial skills. While universities are recognised for fostering entrepreneurial skills, a gap persists in comprehending students’ intentions to pursue entrepreneurship after completing their studies, especially within technical education systems. This emphasises the necessity for a comprehensive examination of variations in entrepreneurial orientation among diverse engineering disciplines. The study employed cross-sectional research and surveyed 370 final-year engineering students from leading engineering colleges in Karnataka, India. The data analysis included Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings demonstrate a significant propensity for entrepreneurship among engineering students, highlighting attributes such as innovativeness, risk-taking, and proactiveness. However, contrary to expectations, the study does not discern distinct entrepreneurial orientations across different engineering disciplines. Importantly, it unveils that college education has minimal influence on students’ entrepreneurial intentions.

The Effects of Smartphone Addiction on Academic Performance Among Undergraduate Medical Students in Karnataka, India: A Multi-centric Study.

Background and objective While smartphones offer various benefits, addiction to them among young people poses a serious problem for parents and educators globally. Several studies have tried to assess the impact of the excessive use of/addiction to smartphoneson students' overall academic performance. While a few studies have found a positive impact, most have observed a negative impact, mainly in the form of deterioration of mental and physical healthand academic performance of students. In light of this, we conducted this study in three medical colleges in Karnataka, India with the objectives of determining the effect of smartphone addiction on the academic performance of undergraduate medical students and to identify the risk factors associated with it. Material and methods This cross-sectional study, conducted between July 2022 and October 2023, involved undergraduate medical students from Yenepoya Medical College, Subbaiah Institute of Medical Sciences, and Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Science. A total of 481 students were enrolled by stratified random sampling. Data were collected with the help of Google Forms by using a pre-tested questionnaire. Mobile phone addiction was assessed by using the smartphone addiction scale-short version (SAS-SV). Results Among 481 students, 211 (43.9%)were found to be mobile phone addicts. An independent t-test showed that academic performance was negatively affected in students who were mobile phone addicts. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed several factors significantly associated with mobile phone addiction, including male gender, regular mobile gaming, seeking recognition/popularity through social media, frequent smartphone checking, perceiving smartphone use as more attractive than other activities, limited co-curricular activities, and increased smartphone use during periods of depression or anxiety. Conclusions Based on our findings, smartphone addiction has a negative impact on the academic performance of students. To mitigate this issue, educational institutions should integrate efforts to tackle smartphone addictioninto their curricula and prioritize addressing the identified risk factors.

Exploring the Nexus: Economics of Happiness and Quality of Life in College Students

A happy person will have a more active lifestyle, better career opportunities, and promote a more productive, cohesive, and lasting sustainable society. India is noted for having one of the world’s youngest populations. India has more than fifty percent of the population under 25. The primary objective of this study is to explore the levels of happiness and quality of life among college students in rural and urban areas of Karnataka. The sample comprises college students aged 18 to 25, drawn from different rural and urban colleges in Karnataka using a stratified random sampling method: the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire and the Quality-of-Life Questionnaire for data collection. The collected data underwent analysis using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. It was observed in the present study that there was no significant difference between rural and urban students in Physical and Psychological quality of life. Results also indicate that in Social and Environmental domains urban students are better than rural students. The study revealed a significant relationship between happiness and different quality of life domains among urban and rural college students

IJCM_340A: Eating Disorders And Its Associated Factors Among Medical Students Of A Government Medical College In Karnataka- A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Eating disorders are behavioral conditions characterized by severe and persistent disturbance in eating behaviors and associated distressing thoughts and emotions affecting physical, psychological, and social function. The high levels of stress affecting medical students predispose them to developing burnout and mental health problems, including eating disorders. Research and awareness efforts are crucial to understand and support the specific challenges faced by these students. Objective: To assess the prevalence of eating disorder and its associated factors among medical students a government medical college, Bengaluru. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 students at a government medical college in Bengaluru. A stratified random sampling did from first year to fourth year medical students to select the study participants. The data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire, The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), perceived stress scale (PSS) and Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-16B). We also calculated body mass index (BMI) for all the participants Results: 15% (30/200) of medical students were found to be at high risk for eating disorders. The prevalence of body shape concerns among the participants were found to be 28% (56/200). Eating disorders had statistically significant associations with female gender, severe body shape concerns and higher BMI (p value <0.05). Conclusion: Eating disorders and body shape concerns are an emerging area of concern among medical students. The implementation of stress reduction and eating disorders preventive program during medical schools may be beneficial for the future physicians.

IJCM_165A: Selfcare practises and its association with glycaemic indices among diabetes mellitus patients in a rural community in Karnataka.

Background: Self-care is a complex and natural decision-making process for maintaining health, especially in chronic patients, such as patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Identifying the contribution of each self-care behavior to glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes becomes an integral part. Objective: To determine the association of self-care in Diabetes Mellitus patients and blood sugar levels in a rural community in Karnataka. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a health institution in a rural area affiliated with a private medical college in Karnataka, India, from March to April 2023. The Diabetes Self-care Questionnaire (DSMQ) was used to examine diabetes patients’ self-care practices. Quantitative data was expressed in mean, standard deviation, median, or interquartile range. Qualitative variables were expressed in percentages and proportions and analyzed using SPSS 20.0. The Chi-square test/Fischer’s exact test determined the association between DSMQ and Blood sugar levels Results: Among 142 Diabetes mellitus patients, the mean age was 55.32±12.89 years. 118(82.5%) were married and were Diabetic since 4(2-6) years.106(74.6%) experienced chronic complications, of which 34(23.9%) primarily had foot and leg problems. Medication adherence was seen in 97(68.3%). Sulfonylureas use was seen in 115(82.7%) followed by Biguanides in 80(56.3%). The median blood sugar level was 208.5(161.5-273.5)mg/dl. Using the DSMQ, Optimal glucose management was seen in only 35(24.5%). Suboptimal glucose management was associated with age more than 50 and self-reported obesity. Conclusion: Among the study population, one-fourth had effective glucose management and physical activity. Suboptimal glucose management was associated with age more than 50 and self-reported obesity.

Perception of undergraduate medical students on learning physiology: A descriptive cross-sectional study in a medical school of South India.

Understanding the various principles in physiology is very important for medical students to apply their knowledge in clinical practice. Most of the students learn physiology just to clear exams. There is a need to understand the student's perception on the significance of learning physiology in medical colleges, its role in clinical practice, research, and the subject of career choice. A descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted in a medical college in Karnataka, India. A total of 100 medical students studying in year 2 MBBS were enrolled into the study. Responses were collected, validated, and analyzed to understand the perception. All the participants (100%) felt physiology is an important subject in the medical curriculum and 93% of participants felt physiology knowledge was essential to become a better doctor. It was observed that 48% of the participants were interested in pursuing research in physiology and only 24% of the participants agreed on considering physiology as a carrier option. Medical students perceived physiology as an important and interesting subject in the medical curriculum. However, only few of the students were inclined to do research in physiology and agreed on pursuing physiology as a carrier option. The scope of study in physiology is vast due to the large variety of interdisciplinary topics included in different systems. Subsequent decrease in job opportunity, lack of awareness of research opportunities, and lower pay scale in the medical colleges in India lead to less interest in students for considering physiology as a carrier option.

COVID-19 precautionary dose vaccine hesitancy among undergraduate medical students of a government medical college in Karnataka – A cross-sectional study

Background: As a part of the COVID-19 preventive strategy, India began its vaccination drive on January 16, 2021, and was expanded in a phased manner. A significant percentage of India’s adult population is yet to receive the third dose. Hence, to know any hesitancy prevailing in undergraduate medical students who are supposed to be role models for the public, this study is undertaken. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to estimate the proportion and factors associated with COVID-19 precautionary dose vaccine hesitancy among undergraduate medical students of a Government Medical College in Karnataka. Materials and Methods: A mixed-method study was conducted among 420 undergraduate medical students at a Government Medical College in Karnataka. Students from all professional years of MBBS were selected for the study based on stratified random sampling. A semi-structured questionnaire and focus group discussions were used to collect data. Results: Among 420 participants, 19.05% exhibited vaccine hesitancy, primarily driven by concerns about efficacy, safety, and the non-mandatory nature of precautionary doses. In contrast, fear of COVID-19 transmission, societal responsibility, and the availability of free vaccines were key motivators for vaccine acceptance among the majority. Using thematic analysis of focus group discussions, four key themes emerged were vaccine-related factors, personal factors, media influence, and external factors. Conclusion: The results underscore the vital importance of education, communication, and public health initiatives in enhancing vaccine confidence and uptake among medical students, paving the way for more effective interventions in the future.

Feminist counter-authoritarian political agency: Muslim girls re-generating politics in India

Drawing on ‘voices’ of Muslim girls reported in a purposive sample of media, this research presents Muslim girls' responses to the impossible choice between right to education and vs. religion, following the hijab ban in the colleges in Karnataka, India. Their narratives do not fit conventional understandings of ‘being’ political or ‘doing’ politics. Instead, they are situated in a continuum of new-forms of political protest and agency emerging among young Muslim women in India following nation-wide Muslim women-led protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (2020). Muslim girls' voices in this research suggest their attempts to regenerate democracy by offering an alternative political vision of India to the authoritarian vision currently in power. This paper suggests that to understand Muslim girls' political agency in authoritarian and Hindu majoritarian India there is a need to recalibrate our understanding of politics and political agency.

Practices and challenges in implementing tuberculosis program at medical colleges in Karnataka, India

Background: The study aimed to evaluate the implementation status of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) at medical colleges in Karnataka, India, and identify the challenges encountered by the medical college core committee members. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 14 medical colleges in 2019-20, using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire to collect data on various NTEP components. Results: The implementation status of NTEP activities was categorized as adequate, partially adequate, or inadequate. Results showed that certain activities such as TB notification, DMC infrastructure, TB-HIV coordination, and the formation of the NTEP core committee were adequately implemented. However, challenges such as work overload, lack of dedicated manpower, and salary constraints were encountered. Conclusions: Overall, the medical colleges involved in the study were actively implementing NTEP, but there is still room for improvement to fully optimize the implementation.

Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Nursing Students Studying in the Southern Part of India

Background and Aim The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health emergency and a psychological challenge. The current study aimed to survey the psychological aspects of stress and anxiety among nursing students at selected nursing colleges in Karnataka the Southern state of India.Methodology A cross-sectional descriptive survey design approach was adopted. A total enumerative sampling technique was adopted which included 264 nursing students. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional ethics committee of Sri Devaraj Urs College of Nursing Tamaka Kolar. Informed consent for the participation was obtained online from the students. The online survey collected information on sociodemographic data anxiety and psychological aspects of stress experienced during COVID-19. The data collection tool used to assess anxiety was General Anxiety scale.Results The overall response rate was 60. Nearly 50 of the students showed mild anxiety 40 showed moderate anxiety and 10 showed severe anxiety. Concerning the psychological aspects of stress during COVID-19 majority of the studentrsquos daily routines hobbies and exercise were affected and most of the students 44 expressed not being able to connect with friends family and relatives. They also expressed their dissatisfaction with the digital platform of learning 41 and their internet connectivity was reported to be poor 49.Conclusion The nursing students experienced anxiety and stress during COVID-19 pandemic. Psychological interventions are required for students experiencing severe anxiety.

Epidemiology of Snake Bite in A Medical College in Karnataka

Snake bites are a cause of considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. Out of 68 cases, the maximum was between the age group of 20 - 30 years (26%). 47 of 68 (69%) victims were male, and 31% of victims were female. More than half of the victims are farmers. 39 of 68 (>57%) victims belonged to a lower class of socioeconomic status. 24% were illiterates, and 76% were literates. Maximum victims, 91%, were from a rural region. A maximum number of victims, 68% had snake bites in the fields, followed by 19% snake bites at home. 56% of snake bites occurred in the rainy season and 26% in the winter season.

Perceived Stress and Suicidal Ideation among the Farmers: A Cross Sectional Study from the Rural Field Practice Area of a Medical College in Karnataka

Introduction: Psychological Stress and other mental health problems are highly neglected in Indian farming Community. Changing climatic, weather and environmental conditions affected the growth of crops and yield. This has resulted in various stressful conditions faced by the farmers. The psychological stress leads to tensions in the family relationship, variations in their daily life, and poor operational decisions while farming and even may lead to farm accidents, suicides among them. Objectives: To study the Stress levels perceived by the farmers and the factors determining the stress among them and to study the suicidal ideation among farmers in the previous 6 months. Method: A Community based Cross sectional study was carried out in the villages of Kalghatagi taluk, among 324 marginal & small scale farmers of age group 18-60 years, using pretested semi-structured questionnaire comprising of socio-demographic details, occupational characteristics, perceived stress and the reasons for stress. The 4 item Perceived Stress Scale was used for the assessment of Stress levels. Higher Score indicates high levels of Stress. Results: Among 324 farmers, 69.8% of the farmers were males, majority of them belonged to 50-60 years, and most of them were small scale farmers. The mean perceived score was 6.29+4.38 SD. Majority of the farmers reported crop failure (35%) and debt (37%) as the reasons for stress. The major determinants of stress among farmers were crop failure, debt and family problems. Among 324 farmers 25.3% reported suicidal ideation in the previous 6 months. The Mean stress scores were high among those with suicidal ideation (12.69±1.12 SD). Conclusion: The study shows that stress levels were high among farmers and are related to the failure of crops, inability to pay the debts and other factors. The Mental health problems of the farmers should be addressed at early stages to reduce the burden of farmers’ suicides. Primary mental health care should be made available to the rural population.

A retrospective analysis of clinical profile of patients with cancer cervix in a rural medical college in Karnataka

Cancer cervix is most common cause of cancerous deaths in females especially in developing countries. The pre-invasive stage of cervical cancer lasts for a long period and a small proportion progresses to an invasive lesion. In Indian set up, majority of the patients are presenting with an invasive lesion. To describe the clinical profile of patients presented with cervical cancer and to describe various treatments received by those patients.: The present study is a retrospective observational study done on confirmed cases of carcinoma cervix who attended rural medical college in Karnataka. Clinical records of the patients, who presented between November 2019 and November 2020 and were diagnosed with cervical cancer, were retrieved. The data related to demographic and clinical variables like age, socioeconomic status, education, symptoms, clinical staging, treatment and histopathology report were recorded. Data collected were entered in Microsoft Excel Office 2007and data analysed. Data were presented using descriptive statistics. The data was expressed in the form of frequencies and percentagesA total of 30 patients with the median age of 46 years were studied. Most common presentation was post coital bleeding (40%) followed by white discharge per vagina in 33%. Majority were under low socioeconomic status (70%). 60% presented in stage II and 30% in stage I. Chemoradiation was treatment of choice in 60% followed by surgery in 33% and 7% were lost to follow up. On histopathology, majority had squamous cell carcinoma (70%).The appropriate management of Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia(CIN) can prevent invasive cervical cancer. In this study most of them presented in advanced stage which could have been prevented with the regular screening and awareness among women in the reproductive age group. : Detection of pre invasive lesions or in situ cases remains important key to decreasing cervical cancer morbidity and mortality.

A study on relationship between demographic characteristics and turnover intention of faculty members working in colleges in Karnataka

A study on relationship between demographic characteristics and turnover intention of faculty members working in colleges in Karnataka

Study of stress in medical student during COVID pandemic

Several studies have shown that medical students experience high levels of stress during their undergraduate course, due to the medical curriculum. Due to COVID shut down, now students are away from regular college routine, but are they still stressed?This study was conducted to better understand student’s experiences of stress, for instance, what causes students stress and what students do to manage their feelings of stress. First year medical students from various medical colleges in Karnataka were selected for the study. Questionnaire related to symptoms of stress and coping methods, Grading the reason of stress and needed guidance were included. Questions were circulated online. 115 responses were recorded and analyzed. This study showed in the past three months during the shutdown, 63 percent of students were feeling low, 60 percent students said they are feeling anxious. 60 percent felt irritable. 30-50 percent students are completely stressed of missing on regular classes, practical and clinical exposure, uncertainty of exams and uncertain future. More than 5 percent students are sorting medical help for the same. More than 90 percent of students who are stressed are trying many relaxation methods. None of the students have opted for any college faculty or councilors for help during this crisis.More than 50 percent medical students are stressed and are having symptoms None of them have opted for guidance or counselling from the colleges. From this study, I conclude that all colleges must provide college councilors or staff to help students deal with their stress during such crisis. On a regular basis, student must be made aware of counsellors or mentors in college or attached hospital, whom they can consult when needed.

A study on awareness and adoption of smart technologies in libraries of engineering colleges in Karnataka

Latest technologies have always caught the attention of library professionals as such technologies have been considered as potential platforms to offer improved library services. In addition, library professionals have also kept in mind that such technologies can offer a good number of flexible options for library users. Many such technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Electronic resource management (ERM), Data mining, Artificial intelligence (AI), Blockchain Technology and Augmented Reality etc. are beginning to make an entry into library space. Such ultra-modern, cutting edge technologies are grouped under the category ‘smart technologies’. Libraries of engineering colleges have always had first exposure to latest technologies due to easy access. With this premise in mind, this research is done to investigate the extent of awareness about smart technologies among library professionals working engineering colleges of Karnataka and consequent adoption of such technologies by them. Survey method was used for data collection and collected data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for various parameters with findings that majority of the library professionals belonging to engineering colleges in Karnataka are already familiar with the term “smart libraries” and are using smart technologies for library purposes. Keywords: Smart libraries, Smart technologies, Internet of things (IOT), RFID, Library services, Web based services.

A comparison of nutritional status between children with and without disabilities: A community-based study.

Background:Children with disabilities are expected to have poor nutritional status in comparison to children without disabilities. However, limited data on nutritional status of children with and without disabilities in rural settings in India.Objective:To assess and compare the nutritional status of children with and without disability.Methods:A cross-sectional study among children aged 5–15 years was conducted in the rural practise area of a medical college in Karnataka. 290 children (145 with and 145 children without disability) of similar age and sex were studied. Age and sex-specific World Health Organization (WHO) BMI centiles, 24 h dietary calorie and protein intakes were assessed and compared. Median and interquartile ranges were calculated for quantitative variables. Mann–Whitney U test was used to assess the differences in quantitative variables among the two groups.Results:As per WHO BMI centiles, 33.1% with and 37.20% without disabilities were undernourished. The median calorie consumed by children with disabilities was 1169.0 (946.5–1586.0) significantly lower compared to that of children without disability, that is, 1362.0 (1167.0–1641.0). The median protein consumed by children with disabilities was 28.0 (22.5–38.0) significantly lower compared to that of children without disability, that is, 32.0 (28.0–40.0).Conclusions:Children with disabilities had similar rates of undernutrition as that of their non-disabled peers and their lesser dietary intake in terms of calories and proteins.