Female Medical Students Research Articles

Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Status and its Associated Factors Among Female Medical College Students in Hubei, China: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Despite the introduction of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in China in 2016, the uptake rates of HPV vaccination were low. This study aimed to assess the status of HPV vaccination and identify associated factors influencing HPV vaccination among female medical college students in Hubei province. Methods: Using a multistage sampling method, this was a cross-sectional study conducted in six colleges in Hubei province in 2023. The data were collected by web-based online software. Multiple logistic regression was applied to explore factors associated with the uptake of the HPV vaccine. Results: Overall, 1148 female medical college students were enrolled in this study. Approximately 13.9% of participants reported receiving the HPV vaccine. About 85.5% of unvaccinated participants showed high levels of intention to receive an HPV vaccine in the future, and 89.1% of the participants had accessed information about the HPV vaccine from the Internet. Multiple logistic regression demonstrated that knowledge pertaining to HPV and the HPV vaccine, factors aligned with the protection motivation theory (PMT), and socio-variables such as the mother’s educational background and the presence of vaccinated family members were associated with the uptake of the HPV vaccine. Conclusion: Our findings revealed that the HPV vaccination was associated with the knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived response efficacy, and self-efficacy of HPV and the HPV vaccine among female college students. Therefore, increasing HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge within the framework of PMT may serve as an effective strategy to promote HPV vaccination rates among college students.

Gender differences in the relationship between medical students’ emotional intelligence and stress coping: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundGiven the increasing stress levels among medical students due to the impact of COVID-19, it is crucial to effectively reduce their stress levels for their future development. To better understand medical students’ stress coping, this study investigated how their emotional intelligence is related to stress coping and whether this relationship is moderated by gender differences.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted. A random sample of 744 medical students from Hebei Province, China, was investigated via an emotional intelligence scale and stress coping questionnaire from March–May 2023. The response rate was 93%. SPSS and Mplus statistical software were used for the data analysis.ResultsThe self-emotional appraisal of medical students had a significant negative effect on avoidant coping (β = -0.173, CI 95% = [-0.243, -0.099], p < .001). However, the other dimensions of emotional intelligence (others’ emotional appraisal, use of emotion, and regulation of emotion) had a significant positive impact on the active coping of female medical students (β = 0.146, CI 95% = [0.082,0.214], p < .001; β = 0.235, CI 95% = [0.167,0.304], p < .001; β = 0.165, CI 95% = [0.084,0.247], p < .001). In contrast to those of female medical students, other dimensions of emotional intelligence had a significant positive impact on the avoidant coping of male medical students (β = -0.161, CI 95% = [-0.284, -0.062]; p < 0.01; β = 0.126, CI 95% = [0.043,0.246], p < 0.001; β = 0.159, CI 95% = [0.054,0.277], p < 0.05; β = -0.221, CI 95% = [-0.363, -0.129], p < 0.001). Moreover, the use of emotion had a significant positive impact on the active coping of male medical students (β = 0.272, CI 95% = [0.182,0.382], p < .001). Furthermore, gender differences had a moderating effect on the relationship between emotional intelligence dimensions and stress coping (β = 0.178; CI 95% = [0.068,0.292]; p < 0.05). Others’ emotional appraisal has a greater impact on female students’ active coping. In addition, with increasing regulation of emotion ability, female medical students reduce avoidant coping (β = 0.169, CI 95% = [0.002,0.326]; p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe current study revealed that gender is a significant moderator of the relationship between medical students’ emotional intelligence and stress coping. These findings may help medical colleges focus on gender differences when improving medical students’ ability to cope with stress.

Breast self-examination among female medical students at Damascus University: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionBreast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of death in Syria. In young females, it is a serious complication, making it crucial to raise awareness about the disease and its early detection methods. Given the challenging circumstances that Syrians face, regular visits to medical centers for mammography are often not feasible. Therefore, breast self-examination (BSE) is a valuable tool for detecting cancer. Educating girls in medical colleges is key to disseminating knowledge about BSE among women, as they will become future healthcare providers and can share accurate information with their families. Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in the medical faculties of Damascus University (medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy), Syria. The study utilized a structured questionnaire on Google Forms with four sections. The questionnaire was prepared electronically, and shared as an online link in formal university groups on social media. Data collection started on September 19, 2022, and ended on October 19 of the same year. Participation was accepted from female students in medical colleges, ranging from second to fifth year (for dental and pharmacy students) and sixth year (for medical students). Data from other students and incomplete data were excluded. Results589 female medical students from three faculties (medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy) filled out the questionnaire. Only 57 % of the students demonstrated a good attitude towards BSE, and 79.6 % of them agreed or strongly agreed that they avoid BSE due to fear of the consequences of breast cancer. Regarding BSE knowledge, 89.6 % of the participants reported previously hearing about BSE, and 55.7 % of them had performed BSE before. The factors that were accompanied by better knowledge about BSE were: a good attitude towards BSE; previously performed BSE; studying in a medical faculty; study years for medical and pharmacy students; and higher college average grades. Whereas, having a medical relative and having a family member with a history of BC surprisingly do not impact the knowledge. ConclusionThe study, conducted at Damascus University in Syria, assessed the knowledge and practice of breast self-examination among female medical college students. The results indicate a moderate level of knowledge and limited practical experience in performing breast self-examination. These findings highlight the urgent need to emphasize the importance of promoting and teaching this method to a wider population of women in society.

Analysis of the impact of auniversity distance learning course on digitalization in medicine on students and healthcare professionals.

The public medical universities in Austria (educating 11,000 students) developed ajoint public distance learning series in which clinicians discussed current digital lighthouse projects in their specialty. This study aims to examine the changes in attitude and knowledge of the participants before and after the lecture series to gain insights for future curriculum developments. The lecture series was announced via various channels at the universities, in health newsletters and in social media. Attitudes toward digitalization in medicine were surveyed before and after the lecture series, together with demographic data. The data were analyzed statistically and descriptively for four groups of interest: female medical students, male medical students, faculty members and members from industry and public agencies. Out of 351 subjects who attended at least 1 lecture, 117 took part in the survey before and 47 after the lectures. Most participants had apositive attitude towards digitalization (85.3%). They improved their self-assessment of their knowledge from 34.4% to 64.7% (p < 0.05). After the lecture series 55.8% of participants considered digital medical applications to be important or very important today and 68.6% in the future. The study shows that the presentation and discussion of lighthouse projects improves understanding of digitalization in medicine but does not trigger astrong desire for additional further training.

Determinants associated with internet gaming disorder in female medical students: a logistic regression analysis using a random sampling survey

BackgroundInternet gaming disorder (IGD) is a momentously growing issue of all ages, and medical students are not immune from the ever-increasing online gaming vogue. The Indian context is little comprehended, necessitating further research on the magnitude and variables. This study aims to determine the prevalence and risk variables of IGD among female medical students. This cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to May 2023 on 512 female (a calculated sample size) medical undergraduate students enrolled in a tertiary center located in a rural area of North India. A stratified random sampling technique was used to choose the participants. The study included a semi-structured questionnaire containing socio-demographic and personal details and gaming characteristics. It also includes a standardized tool, i.e., the Gaming Disorder and Hazardous Gaming Scale (GDHGS) to assess the outcome. The Binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the determinants of the dependent variable.ResultsAmong the participants, only 236 (46.1%) were identified as gamers. The mean age of the gamers was 21.09 (SD = 1.65) years. Among the gamers, around 31 (13.1%) medical undergraduate students had IGD. The Binary logistic regression analysis identified a few significant determinants of IGD such as dissatisfaction with academic performance (COR = 24.8), playing internet games for more than 2 h per day (COR = 5.9), playing paid games (COR = 2.8), and playing games daily (COR = 4.99).ConclusionIGD is highly prevalent among professional medical college students, and its propensity is linked with poor academic performance, using paid games, and spending long hours and days on gaming. Thus, administrators should identify at-risk students and help them in seeking therapy.

Is there an association among spirituality, resilience and empathy in medical students?

BackgroundSpirituality has religious and nonreligious dimensions and is often linked to well-being, positive emotions, connection and meaning in life. Both empathy and resilience are important in medical training and future professional practice since they are considered core skills related to professionalism and patient care. Our study aimed to understand the relationships among spirituality, resilience, and empathy in medical students. We also aimed to determine whether there are differences by gender and between medical students in different years of a medical program.MethodsMedical students (n = 1370) of the first to fourth years of a six-year medical program, from six medical schools, completed questionnaires to assess empathy (Jefferson Empathy Scale and Davis Multidimensional Interpersonal Reactivity Scale) and resilience (Wagnild & Young Scale) and to rate their spirituality.ResultsMedical students with high spirituality showed higher scores for both resilience and empathy (p < 0.001). In addition, we observed higher levels of both spirituality and empathy, but not resilience, in female medical students than in male medical students. In contrast, we did not detect significant differences in spirituality, empathy, or resilience between students in different years of medical school.ConclusionMedical students with high levels of spirituality have also higher scores for both empathy and resilience. Spirituality, empathy and resilience have similar values for students in different years of a medical program.

Concerns, Perceptions, and Career Considerations of Female Medical Students Interested in Neurosurgery: A Qualitative Case Study

Neurosurgery exhibits notably lower representation of Black, Hispanic, and female surgeons compared to various other medical and surgical specialties. Existing research focuses on medical students' views on surgeons, factors influencing female medical students' preferences in surgical fields, and the perceived interests and concerns of students contemplating a career in neurosurgery. However, there is a significant gap in understanding the unique concerns and perspectives of female medical students interested in neurosurgery. Semistructured interviews with female medical students were recruited from medical schools in the District of Columbia area. Interview questions were based on Lent and Brown's Social Cognitive Career Theory. Transcripts were analyzed thematically into codes. In total, 8 female medical students from our institution participated. We identified 3 major themes that influenced medical students decision-making: sense of belonging (diversity, mentorship, and passionate), self-efficacy (ambitious/"gunner," intense/competitive), and outcome expectations (innovation/research, immediate impact, procedural/surgical aspect, salary, and work-life balance). Female medical students face distinct challenges and factors to consider when choosing a career in neurological surgery. The biggest concern for female students was a sense of belonging. It is imperative to enhance the diversity within the neurosurgical specialty and boost the representation of female neurosurgeons. Early interventions designed to tackle and alleviate their specific concerns are pivotal in achieving this goal.

Understanding Preventive Health Behavior: A Mixed-Methods Study to Explore Factors Influencing the Practice of Breast Self-Examination Among Indian Medical Students.

Breast cancer (BC) is among the most prevalent oncological cases in the world, and the global burden of the disease is expected to rise further in the coming years. Strategies aiming at early diagnosis, backed by research and a well-trained healthcare cadre, can aid low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) in tackling the possible cancer-caused strain on healthcare systems. Our study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge of medical students concerning BC and explore barriers and facilitators of breast self-examination (BSE). A sequential explanatory mixed-methods study approach to better understand factors and beliefs influencing preventive health practice in BSE was conducted among students at a medical college in rural Maharashtra, India. One hundred and two female medical students completed the quantitative phase, and 15 of them gave in-depth interviews (IDIs) for the qualitative aspect. Among the participants, 67.6% had good knowledge of risk factors, but only 10% knew the recommendations for BSE, clinical breast examination (CBE), and mammography. We found that being taught BSE by a trusted source and knowing a BC patient were significant facilitators. In contrast, lack of self-efficacy and two fear factors were found tobe acting as barriers for BSE, one being the absence of fear of ever getting BC and the other fear of detecting a lump. This study reveals a gap between knowledge of risk factors and their translation to disease prevention practice. The barriers elicited are modifiable by planning and implementing an appropriate training program covering risk factors and recommending all available screening and preventative modalities. A well-trained medical staff will be instrumental in improving the health status of our community and country.

The influence of breathing exercises on the heart rate variability parameters of female medical students

We studied the influence of breathing exercises (BE) with an imposed rhythm on the dynamics of heart rate variability (HRV) parameters in order to study the nature of adaptive processes in the body of girls with different initial levels of total HRV. Heart rate, time indicators: SDNN, mNN, RMSSD, pNN50 - and spectral parameters: TP, HF and HFnu, LF and LFnu, LF/HF - as well as IVR and IN indices were evaluated. According to the level of SDNN, individuals with conditionally low and conditionally high levels of total HRV were identified - groups LV (40 (31; 47) ms) and HV (64 (58; 70) ms). At rest, HRV parameters in HV-girls were significantly higher than in the LV-subgroup. After BE, a significant increase in SDNN and TP was observed in the LV-subgroup, against the background of a decrease in HF and HFnu and an increase in LF and LFnu, and the LF/HF ratio after BE increased by 80%. In HV-girls after BE, an increase of 6% in heart rate was recorded, but not in total HRV parameters: a decrease in HF and HFnu was compensated by an increase in LFnu, as a result, the LF/HF ratio increased significantly by almost 1.5 times compared to the rest level. In LV-girls, the indicators of autonomic balance index (AVR) and stress-index (SI) were higher by 2.6–2.7 than in the HV-subgroup. After BE, a decrease of 24 and 19% in the parameters of AVR and SI was observed in the LV, but not in the HV-subgroup. Thus, the adaptation of the work of the heart to BE occurred in a similar way in LV- and HV-individuals, however, it differed in different adaptive costs of such an effort for LV- and HV-subjects.

General Knowledge or The Use of Menstrual Cycle Tracking App among Medical Students at Sriwijaya University

Introduction. As technology and science develop, the menstrual cycle can be known practically by using menstrual cycle tracking applications on gadgets. The many features in the application are an added value, so many women choose to use menstrual cycle tracking applications compared to other platforms. This research aims to identify the general level of knowledge or use of the menstrual cycle tracking app among medical students at the Faculty of Medicine Sriwijaya University. Methods. This type of research is descriptive using a survey. The sample in this study was female medical students at the Faculty of Medicine Sriwijaya University class 2018—2023 who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Sampling was collected by total sampling. Results. In this study, 868 respondents participated, it was found that 467 (53.8%) had the highest level of knowledge, namely with “good” category. 685 (78.9%) controlled their menstrual cycles. 450 (65%) used a menstrual cycle tracking application with the most duration of use being ≥ 1 year 311 (49.8%). The most widely used application name is Flo My Health &amp; Period Tracker 308 (66.5%). 294 (63.9%) chose the quite satisfied category for the level of satisfaction with using the application. In addition, 396 (86.1%) chose the sufficient category for the level of accuracy in using the application. Conclusion. Female medical education students at the Faculty of Medicine, Sriwijaya University have a general level of knowledge with the dominance of the category “good” and a usage rate of 467 (53.8%) in the menstrual cycle monitoring application.

Career choice motivation and professionalism in medical students in China: a gender-stratified analysis

ObjectiveTo examine the associations between career choice motivation and professionalism among medical students based on gender in the context of COVID-19.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingThe study was conducted at a medical school in...

The effects of gender discrimination on medical students‘ choice of specialty for their (junior) residency – a survey among medical students in Germany

BackgroundGender discrimination is known to affect societies in many different settings. Medical education is no exception. This study focusses on the consequences, gender discrimination can have on medical students and their choice of (junior) residency specialty.MethodsAn online questionnaire was developed and distributed among the 40 medical faculties in Germany. The study population contained medical students in their fifth and sixth academic year.ResultsThe survey’s participants consisted of 759 students from 31 universities. Female medical students experienced significantly more gender discrimination compared to their male colleagues (f = 487, 87.9% vs. m = 76, 45.8%, p < 0.0001). The specialties with the most reported gender discrimination were family medicine (f = 180, 42.9% vs. m = 15, 23.8%, p < 0.05), followed by surgery (f = 369, 87.4% vs. m = 44, 69.8%, p < 0.05), internal medicine (f = 282, 67.3% vs. m = 37, 58.7%, ns), orthopaedics/casualty surgery (f = 270, 65.1% vs. m = 32, 50.8%, p < 0.05), and gynaecology (women (f = 142, 34.1% vs. m = 34, 54.0%, p < 0.05). Gynaecology was the only specialty, men experienced more discrimination compared to women. Among the students that ever changed their specialty of choice (f = 346 (73.3%) m = 95 (72%)), significantly more women than men claimed gender discrimination to be one of the main three reasons for their specialty choice (f = 42, 12.1% vs. m = 1, 1.1%, p < 0.05). In addition, 53 students (f = 50 (10.6%) m = 3 (2.3%)) stated to rule out a specialty from the beginning due to gender discrimination.ConclusionGender discrimination is frequently experienced by medical students in Germany. It influences their choice of medical specialty directly. Our data suggest a fundamental problem that proposes and implicates certain specialties to be attractive for only one gender.

In-State Retention Rates of Female Neurosurgery Graduates

We sought to determine the rate of retaining female neurosurgery graduates in the same states as their medical education and identify medical school and state characteristics associated with high retention rates. Database from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services was used to extract female physicians indicating "neurosurgery" as their specialty. The top 25 medical schools with the highest number of female neurosurgery graduates were selected. Descriptive analysis was used to determine the retention rate of female neurosurgery graduates. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to identify medical school and state characteristics associated with high retention rates. Medical schools with the highest retention rate included the University of California, San Francisco (60%), the University of Alabama (60%), and the University of Pennsylvania (60%). Univariable and multivariable analysis showed the number of female neurosurgery attendings (β=0.036, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.003 to 0.070, P=0.04 and β=0.036, CI=0.001 to 0.071, P=0.04.) and the healthcare employment rate (β=0.098, CI=0.011 to 0.186, P=0.03 and β=0.117, CI=0.021 to 0.212, P=0.02) to be positively associated with the retention rate of female neurosurgery graduates. Retaining female neurosurgery graduates within a state is essential for addressing the physician shortage and gender inequality. To encourage female medical students to practice in the same state, medical schools and states should work collectively to improve the visibility of female neurosurgeons and increase employment opportunities.

Concerns of osteopathic medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study aims to quantify the areas of most concern in medical students in relation to their residency application in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify risk factors for all that cause concern and specific areas of concern in a population with well-established high rates of anxiety at baseline. The COVID-19 pandemic introduced sweeping changes to medical education that had wide-ranging effects on medical students and their applications for medical residencies. In August 2020, we utilized a cross-sectional study to quantify student's areas of concern related to residency application related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We asked participants to rate their levels of concern in 15 different aspects related to medical residency applications and the perceived impact that COVID-19 had on each. The survey was distributed to 984 osteopathic medical students, with 255 complete responses. The three areas of greatest impact were shadowing opportunities (4.15), volunteer opportunities (4.09), and conferencing opportunities (4.09). The most salient demographic variables were year in school, sex, and locale. Females reported higher levels of concern across all categories in the study compared to males, with statistical significance across all categories (all p<0.05, Range d=0.16 to 0.43), except for letters of recommendation and sub-internships. The areas of most concern identified in our study were consistent with prior studies and may implicate the pressures that female medical students may feel compared to their male counterparts. The underlying cause(s) may be subject to future research.

Trends in Gender Diversity Among Total Hip Arthroplasty Surgeons.

A pronounced gender imbalance is evident among orthopaedic surgeons. In the field of arthroplasty, there exists a dearth of comprehensive data regarding gender representation. This study aimed to analyze the gender diversity, or lack thereof, within the field of total hip arthroplasty (THA). In addition, this study used literature review to identify possible reasons for the gender disparity among THA surgeons and identify the best next steps to promote gender equity within orthopaedics. A retrospective analysis was conducted using the Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data: Physician and Other Practitioners data set to quantify orthopaedic surgeons who performed primary THA procedures from 2013 to 2020. To assess trends in the number of hip surgeons by sex and the evolving female-to-male ratio, two-sided correlated Mann-Kendall tests were conducted. Overall, 3,853 to 4,550 surgeons billed for primary THA annually. Of this number, an average of 1.7% was female. The mean number of services billed for by male surgeons was 31.62 ± 24.78 per year and by female surgeons was 26.43 ± 19.49 per year. Trend analysis of female-to-male ratio demonstrated an increasing trend of statistical significance (P = 0.009). The average number of procedures by female surgeons annually remained stable throughout the study, whereas there was a steady increase in that for male surgeons. Results showed a notable and sustained upward trajectory from 2013 to 2020 in the number of female surgeons billing for THA along with the female-to-male ratio. However, female surgeons constitute a mere 2% of surgeons engaging in primary THA billing. Furthermore, the annual average number of THAs conducted by female surgeons exhibited constancy, whereas there was a gradual increase in the median number of annual procedures performed by their male counterparts. Future studies should aim to identify and resolve specific barriers prohibiting female medical students from pursuing and obtaining a career as an orthopaedic THA surgeon. Retrospective analysis using the Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data: Physician and Other Practitioners data set.

Short-time mentoring – enhancing female medical students’ intentions toward surgical careers

ABSTRACT Background Women pursuing a career in surgery or related disciplines are still in the minority, despite the fact that women compose at least half of the medical student population in most Western countries. Thus, recruiting and retaining female surgeons remains an important challenge to meet the need for surgeons and increase the quality of care. The participations were female medical students between their third and fifth academic year. In this study, we applied the well-established psychological theory of planned behavior (TPB) which suggests that the intention to perform a behavior (e.g. pursuing a career in surgery) is the most critical and immediate predictor of performing the behavior. We investigated whether a two-part short-mentoring seminar significantly increases students’ intention to pursue a career in a surgical or related specialty after graduation. Method The mentoring and role-model seminar was conducted at 2 days for 90 minutes by six inspiring female role models with a remarkable career in surgical or related disciplines. Participants (N = 57) filled in an online survey before (T0) and after the seminar (T1). A pre-post comparison of central TPB concept attitude towards the behavior, 2) occupational self-efficacy and 3) social norm) was conducted using a paired sampled t-test. A follow-up survey was administered 12 months later (T2). Results The mentoring seminar positively impacted female students’ attitude towards a career in a surgical specialty. Female students reported a significantly increased positive attitude (p < .001) and significantly higher self-efficacy expectations (p < .001) towards a surgical career after participating in the mentoring seminar. Regarding their career intention after the seminar, female students declared a significantly higher intention to pursue a career in a surgical specialty after graduating (p < .001) and this effect seems to be sustainable after 1 year. Conclusion For the first time we could show that short-mentoring and demonstrating role models in a seminar surrounding has a significant impact on female medical student decision´s to pursue a career in a surgery speciality. This concept may be a practical and efficient concept to refine the gender disparity in surgery and related disciplines.

Uptake and Determinants of Tetanus Vaccination among Female Clinical Medical Students in North-Western Nigeria

Background and Aim: Neonatal and maternal tetanus have remained endemic in tropical countries of Asia and Africa, with high fatality. Vaccination of women of childbearing age is the main strategy for their prevention/elimination. However, the uptake of these vaccines among these women has remained dismally low in these parts of the world. This study looked at the uptake and determinants of tetanus vaccination among the female clinical medical students of Bayero University, Kano, purposely looking at the interplay between knowledge and other factors on vaccine uptake. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of female medical students aged 15–45 years, selected using probability proportionate to size and simple random sampling. The required information was collected using a validated semi-structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) for Windows version 23. Prevalences of tetanus vaccination were calculated. The presence of a statistically significant difference in prevalence and other characteristics of the study groups were determined using appropriate tests. P &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The participants were 140 with the mean age and mean knowledge scores of 23.96 (±2.74) years and 6.61 (±2.47), respectively. Most of them (59.3%) had good knowledge score (&gt;7). The prevalence of tetanus toxoid (TT)1 and TT2 was 20.7% and 17.1%, respectively. Being married, ever pregnant, and higher level of study were significantly associated with being vaccinated (χ2 / P =59.093/P &lt;0.001, P = 65.011/P &lt;0.001, and P = 9.860/P =0.020, respectively). Conclusions: Despite the good knowledge of the vaccination, the uptake of TT vaccination among clinical female students was poor. Factors significantly associated with higher vaccine uptake were marital status, age of the participants, and their class of study.

Women in Nigerian Neurosurgery: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Although women have made remarkable strides in several medical specialties in Sub-Saharan Africa, their presence and contribution to the development of neurosurgery remain limited. We sought to study the gender differences within Nigerian neurosurgery, identify challenges resulting from these differences, and recommend how African female neurosurgeons can maximize their effects in neurosurgery. A structured online survey captured data on neurosurgical infrastructural capacity, workforce, and training from neurosurgical consultants and residents in neurosurgical centers in Nigeria. All the collected data were coded and analyzed. Altogether, 82 neurosurgical consultants and 67 neurosurgical residents from 50 primary medical institutions in Nigeria completed the online survey. Only 8 of the respondents (5.4%) were women, comprising 3 consultants, 2 senior residents, and 3 junior residents. Although 40.2% of the respondents did not believe that being female affected the decision of whether to specialize in neurosurgery, 46.3% believed that being female was a disadvantage. Most did not believe that being female affected admission (57.8%), completion of a neurosurgery residency (58.5%), or life working as a neurosurgeon after graduation (63.4%). The most common challenges women face while navigating through neurosurgery training and practice are erosion of family and social life, lack of female mentors, and lack of a work-life balance. There is a deficit of both female consultants and trainees among Nigerian neurosurgeons. Identifying female medical students with a strong interest in neurosurgery and providing early mentorship might increase the number of female neurosurgeons.

Evaluation of Medical Students' Satisfaction With Using a Simulation-Based Learning Program as a Method for Clinical Teaching.

Objectives This cross-sectional analytical study aims to evaluate medical students' awareness and satisfaction regarding the utilization of simulation-based learning (SBL) as a method for clinical teaching at King Saud University (KSU) over the past 12 months. It seeks to understand how such learning methods enhance students' self-satisfaction and clinical skills, facilitate the application of learned knowledge, and assess the role of instructors in providing ample practice opportunities in the skills laboratory. Furthermore, the study aims to assess the satisfaction levels of students in both preclinical and clinical years regarding the time allocated for skills laboratory sessions and the integration of high-fidelity technology in simulation-based training programs at KSU. Methods In this cross-sectional study, a total of 306 male and female medical students from the College of Medicine at KSU participated, comprising 196 preclinical students (first, second, and third years) and 110 clinical students (fourth and fifth years). Quantitative data was collected through a structured questionnaire on a 5-point Likert scale that showed degrees of satisfaction. The satisfaction was measured based on a 5-point Likert scale that shows the degree of satisfaction from (very dissatisfied, dissatisfied, neither dissatisfied nor satisfied, satisfied, and very satisfied), and we calculated the p-value based on an independent t-test, and the percentage represented the percentage of students who chose satisfied and very satisfied. Results The results showed overall satisfaction with SBL (mean: 3.98, 71.10%), and it was recognized as a useful and effective method of learning skills. It is reported that it helped the students implement what they learned. At the same time, lower satisfaction was identified in areas with less allocated time for skill labs. Moreover, lack of accessibility and lack of trained staff were reported, and they should be addressed by providing staff with proper training. Conclusion The results of the study will help to understand how students' learning needs should be addressed. Moreover, providing simulation-based training is a pathway compliant with the best educational standards that should be adapted according to each institution's singularities. Besides offering further results, the study presents suggestions for further research.

Influence of Factors on Career Intentions: A Cross-Sectional Study of Female Medical Students Pursuing Anesthesia Careers in Saudi Arabia

Background: The decision to pursue a medical career is influenced by a multitude of factors, including gender, family background, and socioeconomic status. Despite the multifaceted role of anaesthesia in critical care and disaster response, physician anesthesiologists remain underrepresented in Saudi Arabia and other developing countries, posing challenges to healthcare systems. This study explores the factors influencing career intentions among female medical students in Saudi Arabia regarding pursuing a career in anaesthesia. Aim: This study aims to identify factors influencing the career choice of anesthesia among female undergraduates, exploring associations with other sociodemographic variables. Methodology: A cross sectional study was done by using comprehensive questionnaire-based approach employed to gather data on demographic profiles, experiences during anaesthesia rotations, postgraduate training preferences, and perceptions of the field. Logistic regression analysis was applied to investigate associations between demographic variables and attitudes towards anaesthesia as a career choice. Results: Varied age distribution (9.9%-54.5%), predominantly Saudi nationals (90.4%), and diverse parental occupations, mainly in healthcare, including medicine (6.8%-47.7%), were observed in the study. Regression analysis identifies non-Saudi nationality as associated with a positive attitude (Odds Ratio = 4.9247, p = 0.050), while increasing undergraduate years correlate with decreased positive attitudes. Factors linked to negative attitudes include older age (&gt;27) (Coefficient = 1.2668, p = 0.248), and non-Saudi nationality with higher log odds (Odds Ratio = 5.0054, p = 0.130). Key influencers include financial considerations, perceptions of respect and patient care, mentorship, and misconceptions. Attitudes towards anaesthesia evolved with advancing education years. Conclusion: This study sheds light on the nuanced factors shaping career intentions within the anaesthesia field among female medical students in Saudi Arabia. By understanding these influences, healthcare institutions and policymakers can develop tailored strategies to attract and retain talent, addressing the underrepresentation of physician anesthesiologists and promoting anaesthesia as a rewarding career path. Our study emphasizes the pivotal role of cultural context, clinical experiences, and tailored support mechanisms in shaping the career intentions of Saudi Arabian female medical students towards anaesthesia.