Medical School Research Articles

ВЛИЯНИЕ ЦИФРОВЫХ ТЕХНОЛОГИЙ НА ОБУЧЕНИЕ В МЕДИЦИНСКИХ ВУЗАХ: СОЦИОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ АСПЕКТЫ И ВЛИЯНИЕ НА ЗДРАВООХРАНЕНИЕ

This article is dedicated to the study of the impact of digital technologies on the educational process in medical universities, with a focus on sociological aspects and their significance for the healthcare system. It examines how the use of digital tools and platforms changes students' approaches to studying medicine and shapes their perception of the role of technology in improving the quality of medical services and ensuring public health. The informational and educational environment transforms traditional teaching methods, providing new opportunities for updating curricula and creating conditions for the rapid exchange of information between students and educators. Digitalization of the educational process implies a change in the roles of all participants in the educational process. Students become researchers actively using information and communication technologies to acquire knowledge and practical skills. At the same time, educators assume the role of mentors, supporting students in their learning and possessing the necessary competencies in digital technologies. The article analyzes the most effective tools for facilitating interaction in the educational environment, such as virtual boards like Google Jamboard, Miro, and Padlet, which contribute to the development of critical thinking and presentation skills among students. Additionally, the article addresses the challenges faced by medical universities in the process of integrating digital technologies. Effective implementation of digitalization requires strategic planning and a comprehensive approach to updating educational programs, which will create a sustainable platform for the future professional growth of students. In conclusion, the authors emphasize that digital technologies, along with innovative teaching methods, significantly enhance the quality of education in medical universities. This, in turn, contributes to the training of highly qualified specialists capable of effectively working in modern healthcare conditions, ultimately having a positive impact on public health and the organization of healthcare as a whole.

Correlation of IGF2 levels with sperm quality, inflammation, and DNA damage in infertile patients.

Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is a critical endocrine mediator implicated in male reproductive physiology. To investigate the correlation between IGF2 protein levels and various aspects of male infertility, specifically focusing on sperm quality, inflammation, and DNA damage, a cohort of 320 male participants was recruited from the Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Hangzhou, China) between 1st January 2024 and 1st March 2024. The relationship between IGF2 protein concentrations and sperm parameters was assessed, and Spearman correlation and linear regression analysis were employed to evaluate the independent associations between IGF2 protein levels and risk factors for infertility. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure IGF2 protein levels in seminal plasma, alongside markers of inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α] and interleukin-1β [IL-1β]). The relationship between seminal plasma IGF2 protein levels and DNA damage marker phosphorylated histone H2AX (γ-H2AX) was also explored. Our findings reveal that IGF2 protein expression decreased notably in patients with asthenospermia and teratospermia. Correlation analysis revealed nuanced associations between IGF2 protein levels and specific sperm parameters, and low IGF2 protein concentrations correlated with increased inflammation and DNA damage in sperm. The observed correlations between IGF2 protein levels and specific sperm parameters, along with its connection to inflammation and DNA damage, underscore the importance of IGF2 in the broader context of male reproductive health. These findings lay the groundwork for future research and potential therapeutic interventions targeting IGF2-related pathways to enhance male fertility.

Differences in Religious Commitment and Harm Reduction Attitudes Among US Medical Students by Sex Assigned at Birth: A Pilot Study.

Harm reduction emphasizes positive change by working with individuals without judgment, coercion, discrimination, or requiring abstinence from drugs to receive support. This study examines how religious commitment and medical student attitudes toward harm reduction approaches for substance use differ based on sex assigned at birth. Participants from a US osteopathic medical school completed the revised Harm Reduction Acceptability Scale and the Belief into Action Scale.Statistical analyses revealed that males had significantly higher harm reduction acceptability scores than females. Moreover, a significant negative correlation between religious commitment and harm reduction acceptance was found, indicating that stronger religious commitment was linked to lower acceptance of harm reduction. To build on this cross-sectional exploratory study, further research is needed to delve deeper into sex differences in medical students' attitudes and the role of religious commitment in harm reduction. Future studies should explore the direction and causality of these relationships.

First things first: measuring French Medical schools’ deans motivation to engage in smoke-free campus

Abstract Smoke-free campuses (SFC) prohibit smoking and vaping on all university grounds and for all users. Around a hundred of papers was published on that topic revealing how they reduce initiation and increase smoking cessation among students. Whereas it is key for the success of all project, including SFC, very rare research has investigated attitude of high-level leaders of universities toward SFC, their perceived barriers and motivation to adopt it. To fill this gap, we interviewed deans of medical schools in France, where SFC are limited. In-depth individual interviews were conducted on 31 deans and two associate-deans (representing 31 out of 35 French medical schools). Questions rose knowledge of SFC, perception of this measure, self-role to play and other factors influencing implementation. We targeted medical schools because they train future prescribers of smoking cessation, and can act as a model for policy dissemination to other schools. The 23 hours of interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis with Nvivo14. Regarding diffusion in 2023, only one medical school had a SFC, six were implementing it, 23 had no SFC and one abandoned it. 28 held positive attitudes towards SFC, explained by its impact on health and the mission of medical schools. Most of them considered SFC feasible with resources and engagement of students. Identified barriers were competing priority, lack of funding and of support from users and risk of stigmatization of smokers. A majority of deans thought they had a role to play in initiating, promoting and moderating the policy. SFC are recommended by the WHO but there is important room for improvement for their diffusion in France. Yet, a majority of deans we interviewed appeared motivated to adopt it. Solutions to encourage them and overcome barriers must be found. Key messages • Diffusion of SFC among medical schools remains limited in France. • Deans’s positive attitude towards SFC bring hope for a better diffusion of SFC among French universities.

Modification in Quality of Life and Health in Medical Students across Graduation

Abstract Background Medical students experience numerous demands during the education process, determining their quality of life (QoL) and health status. POLLEK study aims to identify and evaluate the quality of life by simultaneously assessing their determinants in Polish medical students during long-term observation. We have also examined the prevalence of chronic diseases, specifically focusing on overweight and obesity, and identified their risk factors. Methods The POLLEK is the follow-up cohort study conducted among medical students at the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice. Students were followed during two observation periods: in their first year of studies, the academic year 2021/2022 (T1), and in their second year, the academic year 2022/2023 (T2). Results The total number of participants in the first year of observation (T1) was 427 while in the second year (T2) was 335. We identified that the QoL score significantly decreased in their second year of studies mainly in the somatic and psychological domain. The determinants of QoL domains common to T1 and T2 remained self-declared health status, frequency of physical activity, and current financial situation. In the initial year of evaluation, 56 students (13.10%) were overweight or obese, and 52 (15.8%) in the second. Regardless of the academic year, the increased risk of being overweight or obese was significantly associated with dissatisfaction with personal health, financial deficiencies, and a diet abundant in animal products. Conclusions The QoL of medical students and selected indicators of their health status deteriorated during the observation period. Our findings suggest that medical schools should actively promote the activity needed to achieve a balance between schoolwork and the personal life of medical students from the beginning of university study. Key messages • Medical students experience numerous demands during the education process, determining their quality of life (QoL) and health status. • Medical schools should actively promote the activity needed to achieve a balance between schoolwork and the personal life of medical students from the beginning of university study.

Culture on organ and tissue donation in the community of Medical School, Veracruz Region

Abstract Introduction Organ donation is a life-saving activity, yet there is a disparity between the high number of recipients and the minimal number of donors. Objetives To determine the level of organ and tissue donation culture for transplant purposes among faculty members and undergraduate medical interns at a Medical School Methods A cross-sectional and prospective study was conducted from January 2023 to 2024, including faculty members and undergraduate medical interns from the Medical School at the University of Veracruz - Veracruz Region. The main study variable was the culture of organ and tissue donation for transplant purposes, quantified through three dimensions: knowledge, attitude, and training, assessed using a validated instrument (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.6). The entire described population was included, and they were approached in different areas to invite them to participate in this research. Results 225 subjects (55 faculty members) agreed to participate. 97% of participants expressed support for organ donation. Among those not in favor of donation, 33% feared receiving poor medical care as donors, and 17% viewed donation as a business. Organ donation culture was deemed sufficient in 10.98% and outstanding in 71.76% of participants. The most common level of knowledge was outstanding (52%), 70% of the studied population showed a ‘very positive’ attitude towards organ and tissue donation. Training history was evaluated as an associated factor with knowledge about organ donation (OR/CI95%), identifying an association between lack of training and levels of sufficient knowledge (2.5/1.2-4.9) and outstanding knowledge (0.3/0.1-0.7), as well as with sufficient culture (9.6/1.2-73.0) and outstanding culture (0.1/0.04-0.4) (p < 0.05) Conclusions It is imperative to strengthen training programs for faculty and undergraduate personnel, as quality training enhances knowledge and culture within this essential area of healthcare personnel formation. Key messages • University professors should have accurate information on organ donation and sensitize future physicians on the subject, as this could be a crucial step for future interactions in favor of donation. • It is necessary to eradicate misinformation about organ donation in teachers and students of medical schools, since they are the basis for education and awareness on this issue in the population.

Prevalence and severity of insomnia in adult outpatients attending Kasralainy Psychiatry and Addiction Treatment Hospital

BackgroundInsomnia is common among patients with psychiatric disorders and affects the clinical presentation and outcomes of the psychiatric disorder. The presentation of insomnia varies according to the type and severity of the psychiatric disorder.ObjectivesThis cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence and severity of insomnia in adult psychiatric outpatients attending Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University. The study included 390 patients diagnosed with the following disorders: depressive disorders (n = 126 (32.2%)), anxiety disorders (n = 69 (17.6%)), psychotic spectrum disorders (n = 67 (17.1%)), bipolar and related disorders (n = 50 (12.8%)), trauma and stress-related disorders (n = 46 (11.8%)), obsessive–compulsive disorder (n = 30 (7.7%)), and somatic symptoms disorders (n = 2 (0.5%)). Patients were assessed using the Sleep Disorder Interview, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF).ResultsAmong the assessed patients, 314 (80.5%) had insomnia, with a higher prevalence in females (91.5%) compared to males (67.2%). The prevalence of insomnia was 96% in depressive disorders, 97.1% in anxiety disorders, 49.3% in psychotic disorders, and 32% in bipolar and related disorders; while all patients with trauma and stress-related disorders, obsessive–compulsive disorders, and somatic symptoms disorders had insomnia.The severity of insomnia as measured by ISI was positively correlated with the global functioning score (r = 0.341, p = < 0.001) and negatively correlated with the duration of the psychiatric illness (r = − 0.285, p = < 0.001).ConclusionsInsomnia is highly prevalent in outpatients with psychiatric disorders.

The effect of health literacy course on the level of health literacy in medical students

Abstract Health literacy (HL) concerns not only individuals but also health systems and health professionals. Most of the literature on HL has focused on patient factors, with little emphasis on the communication skills and practices of health professionals. Training is needed at all levels to understand the concept of HL and its impact on health inequalities. This study is an intervention study. Data were collected from 29 students taking the third year elective course at the Faculty of Medicine through an online survey. The survey consists of 40 questions aimed at assessing the demographic characteristics of the participants, the TSOY-32 Scale and some factors affecting HL. During the training period, role-play scenarios were played to teach the importance of HL, sample videos were watched to evaluate physician-patient communication, and case studies were conducted. The mean pre-test TSOY-32 scale score of the participants was 32.8±5.8. The mean post-test TSOY-32 scale score was 36.4±7.1. There was a significant difference between pretest and posttest groups in terms of TSOY-32 scale score (p = 0.033). Health professionals often overestimate patients’ HL levels and do not have sufficient competence to effectively manage limited HL. These gaps need to be addressed through the curricula of medical schools and specialties. Key messages • Training on health literacy improves medical students’ communication skills, bridging gaps in patient care. • Addressing health literacy in medical training enhances patient-doctor communication, vital for quality care.

Infodemic management in higher education: Mapping opportunities at the University of Belgrade

Abstract Background Effective infodemic management (IM) requires a multidisciplinary approach and the use of various skills originating from natural, social, and medical sciences. Personnel involved in IM activities have diverse backgrounds from medical doctors and data scientists to communication specialists and journalists. However, the IM framework is rarely introduced into the existing teaching programs, compromising the training of a competent workforce. Objectives Our goal was to identify opportunities for integrating the IM framework into the existing teaching programs at the University of Belgrade. A team of researchers reviewed the curricula of 31 faculty and identified the courses that already covered IM skills or had the potential to include them in their teaching programs. The research was conducted as part of the U.S. Federal Assistance Award within the University Partnership Program between Emory University and the University of Belgrade. Results After conducting independent reviews and reaching a consensus, over 40 different courses and/or teaching programs have been identified to include or could potentially integrate IM skills and competencies. These courses are found across all major academic clusters (natural sciences and mathematics, technology and engineering, medical sciences, social sciences, and humanities). Faculties of medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry lead with the number of courses and interested teaching staff, followed by social sciences (psychology, sociology, political science). Most of the identified courses are related to information, data science, and communications. Conclusions There is a promising opportunity to introduce IM skills into the current teaching programs at the University of Belgrade. Faculties from the medical sciences group have a solid potential to lead such a process. Collaborative efforts are needed to establish comprehensive teaching programs to ensure a competent public health workforce and certification. Key messages • University of Belgrade has the potential to introduce infodemic management skills into its existing teaching programs, respecting the multidisciplinary nature of this discipline. • Medical and social sciences faculties can lead the process of mainstreaming infodemic management in their curricula, ensuring a competent public health workforce and certification.

10.X.2. Strengthening primary health care through best practice transfer: the CIRCE-JA approach

Abstract Primary health care (PHC) is a fundamental component of resilient, strong, and sustainable health systems. The main aim of PHC is to address people’s health in a high-quality comprehensive system approach, ensuring person-centred and integrated care across their lifespan, which includes their physical, mental and social well-being. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, health systems’ strengthening has become a global public health and European public health priority, and an overarching objective of the EU4Health programme. In Feb 2023, the three-year Joint Action on the transfer of best praCtices In pRimary CarE (CIRCE-JA) was launched. Its overall objective is to effectively transfer and implement six identified PHC best practices (BPs) across EU Member States (MS), with scientifically robust evidence-based approach, to ensure sound transferability methodology. Critically, it aims to increase MS capacity to deploy innovative care models in PHC and to effectively support health system transformation at this level of care. CIRCE-JA is a collaborative effort with 14 MS participating, bringing together 48 entities, to initially transfer the identified BPs into 42 new implementation sites, whilst at the same time generate all the necessary tools to facilitate uptake and evidence-informed decision-making across all MS. This implementation is based on the alignment of key BP characteristics to meet the local healthcare needs and priorities and match them with national and regional policies. It aims to facilitate integration of public health priorities to PHC practice, and to support the reorganization of services, for strong health promotion focus, synergies with community care, and better coordination of care. During this session key aspects will be discussed using the Pecha Kucha style, to inform the audience about current progress and CIRCE-JA using short stories, also on EU policies and priorities, and the EU4Health support for PHC and public health integration. What is urgently needed at EU-level when it comes to health systems’ strengthening in the post-COVID-19 period and why is PHC critical in this respect? How can the CIRCE-JA developments inform the ongoing transfer and future efforts for the selected BPs in terms of a robust scientifically evidence-based approach? How does the policy dialogue CIRCE-JA is establishing locally, nationally, regionally, supports not only the JA’s sustainability, but all future implementation efforts for PHC? Finally, a brief interaction with the audience will take a place to allow attendees to discuss on key priorities and challenges in their own settings and practice, including the barriers and difficulties that they have initially identifies in the implementation efforts. The output of this interaction will also inform the initial steps towards the establishment of the final deliverable of CIRCE-JA, i.e., the European Primary Healthcare Observatory, to sit on the European Commission’s Health Policy Platform. Key messages • Health systems’ strengthening necessitates strong PHC. CIRCE-JA delivers state-of-the-art tools and brokers policy dialogue to achieve it across Europe. • Several barriers and issues that facilitate the transferring process have been identified in the first implementation of this European initiative. Speakers/Panelists Christos Lionis CSFM &amp; HSR-PH Lab, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece Ana M Carriazo Regional Ministry of Health and Families of Andalusia, Seville, Spain Alice Borghini National Agency for Regional Health Services AGENAS, Rome, Italy Radivoje Pribakovic NIJZ, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Social media use in children and young adults: the Malta experience

Abstract Prof. Jean Calleja Agius MD PhD is Professor at Faculty of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Malta. Jean will demonstrate further examples of interventions to make the internet safer for young people, drawing on her experience of collaborating with the Children and Youth Council within the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society (MFWS), which in turn is affiliated with EUROCHILD. She will share the outcomes of initiatives which have been carried out within MFWS and outline recommendations made directly by children and adolescents. More stringent regulation of social media companies will be addressed, as well as the need for other measures to engage children in other healthier activities and empower them to opt for the right choices.

1.Y.1. Navigating choppy water for global health competencies, education and innovation in Europe

Abstract Global health is rapidly evolving against a backdrop of increasingly complicated, intersecting challenges and crises across health, socio-economic and ecological systems. Interconnected social justice movements call for greater acknowledgement, accountability and qualified responses to address inequities and their structural drivers. The field of global health is going through a period of reckoning and debate about how colonial legacies and structural inequities pervade the sector and how activities of global health professionals across research, policy and practice are complicit in and perpetuating them. Simultaneously, global health education (GHE) is growing, with new speciality degrees and core or elective courses integrated into degrees in medicine, health and other disciplines. Thus, GHE holds great potential as a space to train future professionals with competencies and aptitudes to confront inequalities through innovative, evidence-informed and sensitive approaches. Yet it is also a space in which inequalities may be reproduced through material and epistemic injustices. To address these paradoxical tensions, transformation in GHE is needed in terms of what is taught, how it is taught and who is involved in teaching. This Pecha Kucha workshop will contribute to this discourse by exploring perspectives on issues including: i) What key competencies and content should be included in GHE across different disciplines and Bachelor, Master or Doctoral level?; ii) How can we better practice and develop in educators and students critical perspectives and capacities to be equipped for and responsive to inequities and social injustice?; and iii) How can we ensure meaningful engagement and partnership in education with countries across varied contexts and communities with direct lived experience of marginalisation and deprivation? Four panellists with diverse backgrounds and perspectives will provide insights on their initiatives to tackles such issues within their own institutions and European alliances, followed by a short discussion with the audience. The presentations will emphasise the need to progressively build affective, practical and cognitive competencies to critically engage with historical, geopolitical and structural inequities and injustices, including how they manifest in local contexts. Panellists will highlight examples of innovative methods and approaches to build these capacities, including through co-design in education that fosters self-reflexivity in students and builds alliances and partnerships with non-academic stakeholders, such as civil society and people with lived experience. The Pecha Kucha workshop aims to inspire exchange across institutions and countries, and with the audience, about how we can collaboratively set our compasses and our sails to navigate the choppy waters of tackling pervasive colonial legacies and sailing towards an equitable, inclusive and effective future for education and action in global health. Key messages • Transformation is urgently needed to ensure that global health education builds curricula and competencies that are sensitive and responsive to historical injustice and structural inequities. • Equitable partnerships across institutions and with diverse stakeholders, and innovative educational approaches such as gamification and co-design, can address tensions in global health education. Speakers/Panelists Henrique Barros ASPHER, Porto, Portugal Victoria Saint Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany Francisco Mboufana Department of Community Health, School of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Executive Secretary, Maputo, Mozambique Mariam Sbaiti Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK

The paradoxical surplus of healthcare workers in Africa: the need for research and policy engagement

Abstract Background In many countries in Africa, there is a paradoxical surplus of under and unemployed nurses, midwives, physicians and pharmacists which exists amidst a shortage of staff within the formal health system. By 2030, the World Health Organisation Africa Region may find itself with a shortage of 6.1 million healthcare workers (HCWs) alongside 700,000 un- or underemployed health staff. This study aims to bring the nature and consequences of an existing paradoxical surplus of HCWs in low income countries into the HCW migration debate and to explore novel solutions. Methods The study draws on a rapid review of the literature and deeper insights from expert information, using examples from Uganda, Kenya and Niger. Results In Niger, between 2010-2014, 55% of health graduates were unable to find permanent work in the sector leaving 15 000 HCWs unemployed or in precarious jobs. In Sudan, an 8-fold increase of the number of places at medical colleges (between 1996-2012) was not accompanied by a commensurate investment in physician positions leading to increased unemployment and brain drain. In Kenya, in 2021, 27243 HCWs were un or under-employed. In Uganda, 20590 nurses and midwives were reported as unemployed in 2023. Despite this, the emphasis in policy debates about the healthcare workforce crisis in most national and global levels is on staff shortage and the need to train more HCWs. In contrast, an existing surplus HCWs and their association with patterns of migration are largely unknown. Little time is given over to understand the economic, political and social factors that have driven their emergence and the governance challenges and potential interventions to improve employment rates. Conclusions The results highlight the complexity of migration, labour market conditions and health systems, in particular in low income countries in Africa. Both qualitative and quantitative data is necessary for policy makers to find effective solutions to the problem.

Elective placements for medical students in a regional Public Health Department in Ireland

Abstract Exposure to different specialties during medical school influences the subsequent career choice of students. We describe the development of elective student placements in Public Health in a regional Public Health Department (PHD) in Ireland which serves a population of just over one million. In September 2023, a collaboration to oversee the electives was established between our PHD (HSE Dublin and Midlands) and an academic institution (Trinity College Dublin (TCD)). An Elective Working Group (WG) was formed which developed learning objectives and an elective plan. The electives were scheduled for October and November 2023. The key learning objectives were for students to: • Develop an understanding of the role of Public Health across all domains, in our regional PHD and in Ireland; • Develop an understanding of the career pathway in Public Health Medicine in Ireland; • Contribute to a public health project within the PHD. The elective plan included approximately 15 1:1 tutorials across the public health domains, attendance at PHD meetings and a literature review-based project. Between October and November 2023, two students (one per month) were attached to the PHD. At the end of each elective, students presented project findings to the WG for discussion. Debrief sessions gathered feedback from the students, the WG and the TCD partner. Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Feedback suggested taking pairs of students at the same time may increase efficiency and capacity for future electives in our PHD. A collaborative approach to planning and coordinating the electives was crucial to its success. We are building on this experience to expand the electives with an increased number of students being facilitated by our PHD in 2024, providing students with greater opportunity to gain exposure to Public Health Medicine during medical training. Application and evaluation materials were refined which can be shared. Key messages • The success of the Public Health electives in our regional Public Health Department was underpinned by a collaborative academic partnership and a structured, coordinated approach. • Availability of Public Health electives during medical school training can support students to gain exposure to this specialty in a time when they are considering future career choices.

Curricular Redundancy in Medical Undergraduate Course: Critical Insights from Various Stakeholders in Medical Institutes in India

Background Medical education is continuously evolving to keep pace with the dynamic field of medicine. This study addresses the issue of curricular redundancy in medical education, highlighting the necessity for periodic reviews to eliminate outdated or irrelevant topics. Method A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, involving participants from various medical schools across India. An online questionnaire was used to gather data on redundant topics, suggested replacements, and improvements in the curriculum for both didactic and non-didactic subjects, along with inputs related to assessment and evaluation methods. Content analysis was used for thematic identification and qualitative interpretation. Results Out of 71 respondents from a wide geographic distribution, 30% were female, and 70% were male, with an age range of 17 to 36 years. Participants expressed concerns about redundant theoretical (32%) and practical (51%) topics. Qualitative analysis highlighted the need for integrating different subjects and placing a stronger focus on practical clinical skills. Participants emphasized the importance of a curriculum that keeps pace with advancements in medicine, such as genomics and artificial intelligence, while also addressing mental health. Specifically, they suggested combining anatomy and surgery courses, incorporating more active learning techniques, and utilizing ongoing assessments to gauge progress. Conclusion The study highlights the necessity of eliminating curricular redundancy in medical education. Recommendations include developing a flexible curriculum, emphasizing region-specific content, and implementing a formative assessment system. Additionally, the importance of faculty development and stakeholder involvement in curriculum design is emphasized. Key Message Key insights for updating the medical undergraduate curriculum include the following:

Medical students attitudes towards patients with disability: a scale validation study

BackgroundDisparities in health outcomes among persons with disabilities (PWD) are influenced by preventable factors including negative attitudes and discriminatory practices of healthcare professionals and the limited training of medical students in working with PWD.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to validate the “Medical Students’ Attitudes Towards Patients with Disabilities” (MSA-PWD) scale among Lebanese medical students and identify associated factors.MethodA scale validation study was conducted as part of the standard internal evaluation process at the medical school, using a cross-sectional design based on a qualitative content validity process, involving students from years 1 to 4. The study included questions from previous tools, and others encouraging students to reflect on their encounters with PWD and share their insights. Statistical procedures were applied to assess the reliability and validity of the tool, including construct validity, convergent validity, known-group validity, and trend analysis.ResultsAfter a careful selection of the related items, the MSA-PWD scale demonstrated high construct validity and internal consistency, along with good convergent validity and known-group validity. Factor 1 of the scale was able to differentiate between different enrollment years of medical students, correlating with the self-assessment tool for confidence in dealing with PWD and clinical experience scenarios.ConclusionThe “Medical Students’ Attitudes Towards Patients with Disabilities” scale validated in this study is a comprehensive instrument that can distinguish between different medical school enrollment classes. The newly developed scale was valid, and reliable.

Global health education in Europe: an insight into the student’s perspective

Abstract Background As the world grows ever connected, more importance is placed on aptness in Global Health. For medical students, incorporating social, environmental, cultural, and global issues in the curriculum is pivotal to their success as future medical professionals. In spite of this, students are dissatisfied with ongoing pedagogy. In review of existing evidence, we discovered that there is no set standard for European medical schools to follow in Global Health teaching. This is evidenced by variation in the course requirement and in the topical content covered. Consequently, students have self-perceived and actual gaps in their Global Health knowledge. Another point highlighted in our research was that despite the importance students have placed on Global Health education, they have viewed it as less relevant in comparison to other aspects of Medicine. To improve this lack of engagement, students have made suggestions that could potentially have a positive impact on teaching methods if they were to be implemented. Objectives Our background review and evidence gaps inspired us to conduct an online survey in our university. Examining this, together with reviewing existing evidence on student opinions and experiences from all over Europe, will give us the opportunity to uncover student sentiment towards Global Health education. Results Our survey is underway; its results will be discussed in our presentation. Conclusions In analysing existing survey results and in executing a survey in our medical school, we have gained some insight and understanding into the perspectives, knowledge gaps, and suggestions of medical students as concerns their Global Health education in Europe. These should be considered in forming and refining the Global Health curriculum of European medical schools. Key messages • Explore the attitudes and opinions of European students towards Global Health education. • The medical student’s perspective should be considered to guide a better-suited education in Global Health across Europe; this is of the utmost importance in a now globalised world.

Climate change and its health effects - an optional subject for medical students

Abstract The Standing Committee of European Doctors urged to include training on the impact of climate change on health for health professionals. Currently, in the curriculum of most medical schools, the health-related impacts of climate change represent a peripheral part. The teaching of health effects of climate change should be made part of the training of health professionals and should be introduced in the curriculum of medical schools. ClimateMed is an Erasmus project that improves the curriculum and expands knowledge about the health effects of climate change at medical universities. The World Café method, based on round table discussions, was applied to assess the needs, summarize the proposals, and develop the necessary strategy. At the same time, a questionnaire was applied to those medical students from UMFST Targu Mureș who chose this subject as an optional subject. Students related the importance of understanding the diseases caused directly or indirectly by climate change, and reported what kind of topics should be included in a new course, in which semester/module and in what format it would be appropriate to teach it. The most frequently reported topics were: excessive heat and heat-related illnesses, extreme weather, vector-borne diseases, food safety, air pollution, and mental health. According to the goals of the project and students’ opinions, since 2023 medical students can choose Climate Change and Health Effects as an elective course. Based on the demand for medical universities to include in their curriculum knowledge related to the health effects of climate change, ClimateMed project can facilitate this integration and can promote the increase of teacher motivation and the development of methodological guidelines for university teachers. The project contributes to the preparation of some educational materials and the introduction of an optional subject in the training curriculum of the students of the Faculty of Medicine, UMFST Targu Mureș. Key messages • There must be made efforts to include training on the impact of climate change on health for health professionals, to introduce this subject in the curriculum of medical schools. • ClimateMed project can facilitate the integration of knowledge about the health effects of climate change into curriculum and can promote the practical use.

Commuting violence: Social, mental and academic consequences. Is this concept necessary to adopt?

Abstract Introduction Violence has emerged as a pressing public health issue due to its global impact, prompting the need to coin the term ‘commuting violence’ (CV). This term refers to any form of aggression experienced by students traveling from the University to other locations such as their homes or vice versa, considering that this situation could have health and academic consequences for students. Objectives To determine the consequences associated with CV in university students. Methods A cross-sectional and prospective study was conducted, including students from a Medical School in Veracruz, Mexico, from August to December 2023. Invitations to participate were extended to students of medicine, chiropractic, and radiology technology. Results A total of 279 participants with a mean age of 20 (±3.0) years were included. 89.6% of students perceive insecurity on their journey to the university, primarily due to the presence of suspicious individuals (93.9%); 70.6% of participants reported knowing a peer who has experienced CV, leading them to avoid certain streets (92.5%) to avoid it. Insecurity felt on the journey home from school showed a significant association (OR/CI95%) for anxiety due to JV of (7.2/3.2-16), stress due to CV of (11.1/4.74-25.9), and paranoia due to CV of (4.48/2.02-9.92). A total of 140 (50.2%) students reported experiencing CV, with the most frequent manifestations being sexual harassment (79.3%) and verbal harassment (57.8%), as well as two (1.4%) attempted rapes. Experiencing CV was positively associated with students avoiding class schedules before 8:00 a.m. (3.6/1.69-7.63) and after 6:00 p.m. (4.6/1.7-11.94), as well as absenteeism (7.37/2.51-21.67) and thoughts of dropping out (12.9/2.75-60.36) (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusions PV is a relevant situation that exists within the well-being of students, impacting them both in anticipation and when faced with it. The concept of CV should be considered for use in future research. Key messages • We propose the concept of Commuting violence as an element to be taken into account since it has been demonstrated that this situation interferes with the academic activity of the students. • Commuting violence occurs during academic activities, so universities should propose actions to make students feel safe on their daily journey to the university.

Honors Track in Global and Occupational Health: a students’ perspective from Humanitas University

Abstract Background To meet an increasing interest in global health, more opportunities for medical students should be created. Humanitas University (Milan, Italy) has debuted a new extracurricular activity called “Honors Track in Global and Occupational Health” (HT-GOH), to allow students critical insights into the field at the beginning of their career. Objectives HT-GOH is a two-year programme, led by expert professors in the field. The main aim is to circumvent limitations of global health education at individual institutions, achieved through a combined presence and online approach that allows for international collaboration with experts and attendance of online lectures and travel abroad for practical experiences. Complemented by monthly meetings, participation to workshops, seminars, conferences, and the discussion and literature review of crucial global health topics. Results The six participating students are actively promoting discussions, exchange of ideas, and literature findings on many global health issues. They audited courses in other universities and are building connections within the field. The active involvement of the students and their increasing interest in the global health debate can be seen by their participation in this abstract and the conference. The effectiveness of the programme is being evaluated through monthly feedback by students. Conclusions The programme allows for an initiation to research work, promoting collaboration between students and exploration of a variety of topics under the guidance of experts. The nature of a specific programme allows for a more individualized approach and greater development of skills unique to each student. This HT represent a valid approach to global health education, especially in settings in which this field is only taught in the context of a public health course. Key messages • A new programme at Humanitas University offering an innovative approach to the field of global health to interested students. • The students’ perspective towards an integrated approach to global health in medical schools.