Private Medical Schools Research Articles

Evaluating Inter-Rater Reliability: Transitioning to a Single Rater for Marking Modified Essay Questions in Undergraduate Medical Education

Modified Essay Questions (MEQs) are often included in high-stakes examinations to assess higher-order cognitive skills. If the marking guides for MEQs are inadequate, this can lead to inconsistencies in marking. To ensure the reliability of MEQs as a subjective assessment tool, candidates’ responses are typically evaluated by two or more assessors. Previous studies have examined the impact of marker variance. Current study explores the possibility of assigning a single assessor to mark the students' performances in MEQ based on statistically drawn evidence in the clinical phase of the MBBS program at a private medical school in Malaysia. A robust evaluation method was employed to determine whether to continue with two raters or shift to a single-rater scheme for MEQs, using the Discrepancy-Agreement Grading (DAG) System for evaluation. A low standard deviation was observed across all 11 pairs of scores, with insignificant t-statistics (P>0.05) in 2 pairs (18.18%) and significant t-statistics (P<0.05) in 9 pairs (81.81%). The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) results were excellent, ranging from .815 to .997, all with P<0.001. Regarding practical effect size (Cohen’s d), 1 pair (9.09%) was categorized as having a strong effect size (>0.8), 7 pairs (63.63%) as having a moderate effect size (0.5-<0.8), and 3 pairs (27.27%) as having a weak effect size (0.2-<0.5). The data analysis suggests that it is feasible to consider marking MEQ items by a single assessor without negatively impacting the reliability of the MEQ as an assessment tool.

Factors on medical clerkship students' quality of life: A survey study.

Due to the higher demand for healthcare provision in Indonesia, increasing the number of medical schools in Indonesia was highly encouraged. Meanwhile, medical students were considered a susceptible population to a variety of issues that negatively impact their quality of life (QOL) in comparison to the general community. The study aims to assess the QOL of Indonesian medical students during the clinical clerkship program (years 4-5) of their medical training while also exploring the association between the results and their ongoing rotation. The survey was conducted online to 311 students at a private medical school in Jakarta using the Indonesian version of WHOQOL-BREF. Participants' characteristics, sleep duration, physical activity, and smoking history were also assessed to see if there was any association. Results: 82% of 311 registered clerkship students responded to the survey. In terms of overall QOL, being in a major department, 7-9 h of sleep duration, and owning a private vehicle increased the QOL. This study suggested that medical schools' policies may consider sleep duration, travel time, transportation-related infrastructure, and social-related infrastructure to underpin students' social relationships and, afterward, improve their QOL in intangible ways.

Gender Differences in Perception of Neurosurgery as a Career Choice in Pakistan: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey

A low neurosurgeon-to-patient ratio persists to be a problem in many developing nations including Pakistan. Concurrent gender disparities further exacerbate the challenges posed by the already limited workforce. An understanding of the perceptions of neurosurgery among female early career doctors is crucial in the evolution of the field in terms of both, workforce strength and inclusivity. A cross-sectional study was conducted across public and private medical schools of Pakistan. A close-ended self-administered questionnaire was employed to assess subject-reported challenges and perceptions regarding neurosurgery. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 28, and p< 0.05 was considered significant. The influence of these perceptions on the choice of neurosurgery as a career was determined by binary logistic regression analysis. Of the 387 responses received from over 45 institutions across the country, 55.6% were females and 44.4% were male respondents. Compared to men, women were more likely to opt out of neurosurgery due to fear of problems with parenting (p<0.001), absence of daycare facilities (p<0.001), lack of female role models (p=0.001), fear of gender discrimination (p<0.001), and the mental (p=0.04) and physical distress (p=0.008) associated with neurosurgery. Binary logistic regression revealed that these concerns were responsible for an increased likelihood of opting out of neurosurgery among female medical students and intern doctors. Significant differences exist in how male and female medical students perceive neurosurgery as a career choice. Interventions including availability of day care facilities for children, creation of inclusive workplace environment, and promotion of mentorship programs catering to women can help bridge this gap and contribute to evolution of the field of neurosurgery in the developing world.

Impact of Volunteerism on the Mental Health and Academic Performance of Medical Students: A Saudi-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction The term "volunteering" refers to any endeavor in which one's time is devoted voluntarily to the benefit of another individual, group, or organization, and without the expectation of receiving compensation. Several studies have discovered that engagement in volunteer work is substantially predictive of improved mental and physical health, self-esteem, diminished depressive symptoms, and psychological distress, in addition to having a positive correlation with mental well-being. Aim The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between medical student participation in volunteer work and their mental well-being. Subject and methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, involving medical students enrolled in Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University and Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, both of which are government institutions, as well as Almarefah College, a private medical school. The students were provided with a self-administered questionnaire. Sociodemographic information, prior volunteer experience, and an evaluation of the mental health status of medical students are all components of the questionnaire. Results A total of 827 medical students participated; 798 (96.5%) of them fell between 18 years and 25 years and only 29 (3.5%) were between 25 years and40 years. Themales accountedfor 594 students (71.8%) and girls accounted for 233 students (28.2%). Among the students, 387 (46.8%) fell within the age range of 21 to 22 years, and 401 (48.5%) had a prior engagement in voluntary activities at school or college. Significant factors that influence participation in volunteering activities consist of attending a governmental institution, 616 students (74.5%); maintaining a grade point average (GPA) ranging from 2.75 to 3.74, 337 students (40.7%); and expressing a preference for participating in medical-related endeavors, 455 students (55%). There is no statistically significant correlation between medical students' engagement in volunteering activities and their mental health state (p>0.05). Conclusion A significant proportion of medical students actively engaged in volunteer work.Contrary to earlier findings, this study establishes that there is no correlation between engaging in volunteer work and the mental health conditions of medical students. Additional longitudinal studies are necessary to establish the correlation between engagement in volunteer work and the mental health of medical students.

Rate and sociodemographic correlates of depression, anxiety, and stress among domestic and overseas medical students: A cross-sectional observation from a private medical college in Bangladesh.

Depression, anxiety, and stress are the commonly encountered mental health conditions among medical students. Overseas environment may add additional burden to the existing environment. However, comparison of the rate and associated factors of depression, anxiety, stress among domestic and overseas students has not been attempted in Bangladesh. We aimed to assess the rate and associated factors of depression, anxiety, stress among domestic and overseas medical students in the country. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 360 undergraduate medical students in 2021. Data were collected by self-reporting instruments by a stratified random sampling method by the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 scale. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were done by computing crude odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval to identify the associated factors. Among the 360 undergraduate medical students, 181 were domestic and 179 overseas ones. 44.8% of domestic students reported depressive symptoms, 45.3% reported anxiety symptoms, and 33.1% reported stress. On the other hand, half of overseas students experienced depression (50.3%) and anxiety (52.5%), and 41.3% experienced stress. Female medical students were found vulnerable for developing depression, anxiety, and stress than males. The study revealed higher rates of depression, anxiety, and stress among overseas undergraduate medical students enrolled in a private medical school of Bangladesh. Private medical college authorities could consider special services for overseas students to ensure adequate psychosocial support.

Attitudes of Medical Students Toward Sexual Minorities: A Multicentric Survey from the Medical Education Without Discrimination Project

ABSTRACT This study, as a part of the ’Medical Education without Discrimination (MED) Project,” focuses on investigating attitudes toward sexual minorities and demographics among Turkish medical students. In the needs assessment phase of MED Project, a survey covering demographics, sexual orientation, attitudes toward sexual minorities, and Index of Attitudes Toward Homosexuals by Hudson & Ricketts (6-point Likert) was conducted among 523 medical students of one public and two nonprofit private medical schools in Istanbul. Of the students, 4.2% declared themselves as non-heterosexual. The findings highlight that medical students are on the verge of homophobia (44th percentile). Homophobia was significantly higher among public university students, males, younger individuals, those who originated from underdeveloped settlements, those who grew up with mothers who did not graduate from university, those who considered themselves happier, and those without LGBTI+ acquaintances. Of the respondents, 14.1% do not perceive LGBTI+ people as equals within the community, and 75.7% assert that they would conceal their own LGBTI+ identity if they were part of this community. This study highlights that the need for targeted interventions in medical education in line with the global commitment to reduce inequalities and promote inclusive health care.

Post-Pandemic Evaluation: Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Medical Students’ Mental Health, Self-Esteem, Social Interactions, and Academic Progression in Malaysia

Covid-19 pandemic has brought drastic and unprecedented challenges to the medical education and medical students, affecting them physically, mentally and emotionally. While progressing through the post-pandemic recovery phase, it is crucial to comprehensively evaluate the pandemic’s consequences and tackle the underlying problems. To investigate the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on medical students’ mental health, social well-being, and academic progression. A cross-sectional study was carried out with voluntary sampling of students from both government and private medical schools in Malaysia. A self-administered online survey form containing three validated psychological tools was distributed (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale HADS, Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, NIH Toolbox Social Relationship Scales). There were also questions regarding the challenges faced by medical students and their academic performance during Covid-19 pandemic. Scores of each questionnaire were tabulated, analyzed and interpreted according to their specific cut-points. Two hundred and thirteen responses were received. 89.2% (n = 190) were domestic students while 10.8% (n = 23) were international students. Out of 32 medical universities in Malaysia, the participants were from 19 of them (9 public and 10 private universities). About half of the participants had contracted Covid-19 infection during the study period (n = 124, 58.2%). Majority had chosen “Lack of on-campus learning and training session causing incompetency” as the most relevant impact of Covid-19 on their academic progression (n = 85, 39.9%). Above 90% of participants passed their Final Academic Assessment in 2020 (91.5%) and 2021 (93.9%). About half of them (n = 86, 40.4%) were having symptoms considerable of anxiety while only 19.2% (n = 41) were having symptoms considerable of depression. Majority had normal self-esteem (n = 177, 83.1%). For social relationship, around two-third of them had great social support and companionship. However, more than half had social distress. The median for the period of time having absolute online classes, absolute physical classes and hybrid classes were 18, 4, and 9 months, respectively. Having absolute online classes of &gt;18 months was associated significantly with higher perceived hostility (16.49vs. 14.47, p = .012). In addition, being infected with Covid-19 was associated significantly with higher self-esteem (26.88vs. 25.85, p = .009). Large proportion of students were affected by Covid-19 pandemic. Absolute online classes has huge impact on emotions of medical students especially from the aspect of perceived hostility. Hence, implementation of online medical education during Covid-19 era requires modifications and improvements.

A A arte como um instrumento para combater a psicofobia: relato de experiência sobre a oficina “Jornada da luta Antimanicomial”

The Brazilian anti-asylum movement has been intertwined with art over the decades, influencing the transformation of psychiatric care and psychosocial imaginary. However, the replacement of asylums with freedom-oriented care is jeopardized if there are no professionals who are part of and advocate for humanitarian mental health care. Therefore, it is extremely necessary to incorporate these themes into the education of future doctors. Thus, the report describes the realization of the “Anti-Asylum Movement Journey” at a private medical school, a workshop which took place on May 18th, National Anti-Asylum Day. It included a poetic soirée, an exploration of the history of art related to mental health, and creative proposals to engage users of the psychosocial care network. The event aims to recall the history of the anti-asylum struggle and reaffirm its necessity, utilizing art as the primary tool to explore ethics and policies that ensure visibility, inclusion, and assistance for mental health patients in their environment. As a result, participants learned the importance and methods of using art in healthcare, preparing them for a more sensitive, critical and politically engaged medical practice. The event also destigmatized and humanized the perception of mental illness in a strictly academic environment.

“How is social media used for learning?”: relationships between social media use by medical students with their self-regulated learning skills

BackgroundSocial media is widely used by medical students, including for learning purposes since it facilitates their involvement in the communities of inquiry where they can share, express, and engage in the development of knowledge. Navigating the use of social media requires self-regulated learning (SRL) skills. Hence, studies on the relationships between social media use and SRL skills are necessary.AimThis study aims to investigate the relationships between social media use and students’ SRL skills.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using two validated questionnaires: the Social Networking Sites for Medical Education questionnaire (SNSME, 19 items) and the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ, 81 items). Cross-cultural adaptation and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were also completed for the SNSME questionnaire, followed by descriptive and bivariate analysis.Results and discussionThe SNSME questionnaire is valid for use in the current setting and consists of three subscales: (1) attitudes towards the use of social media for learning and knowledge development, (2) the use of social media for information sharing and interaction, and (3) the use of social media for knowledge development and research. Among 1,122 respondents, male students presented lower scores than female students in the total score of social media for learning (80 vs. 82, p 0.007), and public medical students showed higher scores in terms of attitudes towards the use of social media for learning and knowledge development compared to private medical students (83 vs. 81, p 0.007). The differences in SRL scores for different education stages and among students from public and private medical schools were statistically significant (426 vs. 418, p 0.003, and 436 vs. 418, p < 0.001, respectively). Levels of correlation between social media use and SRL scores were low to moderate (R 0.195–0.462, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe adapted SNSME questionnaire in the current setting is valid and the use of social media for learning is influenced by gender and the learning environment. This study highlights the importance of supporting students in using social media for learning purposes as well as using social media as a means to increase their SRL skills.

Teaching medical ethics and medical professionalism in Saudi public and private medical schools.

Medical ethics and professionalism are two essential parts of building up the identity of a competent physician. This study was conducted to determine the nature, content, and methods of medical ethics and professionalism education in Saudi public and private medical schools. It also sought to identify the challenges and obstacles in teaching and assessing medical ethics and professionalism and suggest appropriate changes. A cross-sectional study was carried out in Saudi private and public medical schools. To achieve the study's aim, an assessment tool in the form of a novel self-administered questionnaire was developed, piloted, and then used. A representative from each of the 28 Saudi medical schools participated in the study. Twenty-four (82.1%) responding medical schools have no medical ethics department. Most of the medical schools (64.2%) have 25% or less of their faculty staff who teach ethics holding a qualification in medical ethics. Most schools have a specific course for medical ethics and professionalism (85.7% and 57.1%, respectively). Multiple-choice questioning is the most popular assessment method in medical ethics and professionalism courses (89.3% and 60.7%, respectively). The need for more qualified staff and clear guidelines/resources is a significant drawback to the teaching of medical ethics. Therefore, the study recommends developing national guidelines dedicated to the undergraduate teaching curriculum from which courses would be designed to enhance medical ethics and medical professionalism.

Financial Literacy and Wellbeing Among Medical Students, Residents, and Attending Physicians in Lebanon: Results From a Nationwide Multi-Centered Survey.

Financial wellbeing and financial literacy are crucial aspects of personal and professional lives, particularly in graduate medical education. Low financial literacy among healthcare professionals, including physicians, has been identified as a concern, impacting job satisfaction, productivity, and burnout. Few studies have used validated methods, assessed financial wellbeing, or compared financial outcomes across the continuum of medical education and practice. This study aims to measure the financial wellbeing of healthcare professionals and trainees and its predictors using validated instruments on a nationwide scale in Lebanon. This is a multi-institutional cross-sectional study using an online survey using validated instruments, including the CFPB Financial Well-Being Scale and Lusardi and Mitchell's "Big Five" financial literacy questions. The data was collected in April and May 2020. The population includes medical students, residents, and practicing physicians in all six private medical schools and their affiliated medical centers in Lebanon. A total of 330 responded, with a response rate of 20.7%. The financial wellbeing score (out of 10 was 57.2 ± 9.7 before the financial crisis and dropped to 45.2 ± 10.1 during the country's financial crisis. With a passing grade of 60%, 75.3% (195/259) failed the financial knowledge questions. Attending physicians outperformed students and residents/fellows regarding knowledge scores. Financial wellbeing was positively associated with age, family socioeconomic status, and household income. It was negatively associated with the crowding index and agreement with the attitude of living for today and letting tomorrow take care of itself. Medical students, residents, and physicians in Lebanon had low financial literacy. Attending physicians have high financial wellbeing despite low financial literacy and lack of formal education. The COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis adversely affected the financial wellbeing of all three groups.

Employment benefits across U.S. allopathic medical schools: National norms and relationships with institutional wealth.

This study summarizes employment benefits from across 155 U.S. allopathic medical schools, investigates differences in employment benefits according to institutional characteristics, and explores possible connections between employment benefits and institutional wealth. Employment benefits data were extracted from institutions' websites across four categories: time-off, time-away, retirement contributions, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)/family benefits. This dataset was mixed with other publicly available datasets sourced through the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the American Council on Education (ACE), and the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) to conduct additional analyses. Nationally, medical schools offered an average of 31 vacation/sick days and 12 paid holidays. Schools typically offered 4 out of 8 time-away benefits. Employers' retirement contributions ranged from 3.0% to 15.5%, with a mean contribution of 8.5%. A total of 43.2% (67 of 155) of medical schools offered a pension. Collectively, private medical schools offered fewer time-away benefits and more EAP/family benefits compared to public schools. Universities with larger endowments per student were associated with a higher number of EAP/family benefits offerings (r = 0.543, p < 0.001). Institutional wealth did not influence other benefits offerings. The quantity/quality of most employment benefits offered at allopathic medical schools were wide-ranging, tended not to vary by region or school control, and were not a function of institutional wealth.

Contemporary Trends in the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Match and the Effects of COVID-19.

We aimed to elucidate associations between geographic location, size, and ranking of medical schools that orthopaedic surgery residents graduate from and the residencies that they match both pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 pandemic by examining the 2017 to 2022 orthopaedic surgery residency cohorts. Demographics were extracted using Doximity Residency Navigator platform, the 2021 US News and World Report, and program websites. Medical schools were classified as large if they had >613 medical students. Postgraduate year 1 (PGY-1) (2021 match) and PGY-2 (2022 match) residents were classified as the COVID-19 cohort. Location was categorized as Northeast, Midwest, South, and West. Chi-square tests, Cohen's H value, and descriptive statistics were used for analysis with statistical significance set at p <0.05. Four thousand two hundred forty-three residents from 160 accredited US orthopaedic residency programs (78.4%) were included. Northeastern applicants were most likely to match in the same region (p <0.01), and southern applicants were most likely to match at their home program (p <0.001). Applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic did not differ from their predecessors with regards to matching to the same region (p = 0.637) or home program (p = 0.489). Applicants from public medical schools were more likely to match in the same region and at their home program (p <0.001), whereas those from private medical schools were more likely to match at top-ranked residencies (p <0.001). Students from both top 25- and top 50-ranked medical schools were more likely to match at their home program (p <0.01) and attend top 20-ranked residency programs (p <0.0001). These results demonstrate significant associations between matched residencies and attended medical schools' geographic location, school type, and ranking. During the pandemic, geographic trends were overall unchanged, whereas residents from large or lower-ranked schools were more likely to match at home programs, and those from private or top-ranked schools were less likely to attend top residencies.

MOTIVATED TO SUCCEED: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE MEDICAL SCHOOLS.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore academic motivation among first-year medical students, examining differences in motivation levels based on gender, type of medical school, and living arrangement. Materials and Methods: A total of 192 first-year medical students participated in the survey with an equal number of responses from public and private medical schools in this cross-sectional survey. The study utilized the Academic Motivation Scale (AMS) to assess academic motivation levels. The independent sample t-test was used to examine diff erences in academic motivation between groups. Results: The mean score for academic motivation among participants was 136.94 ± 20.974, with no significant diff erence between male and female students. Private medical school students had a higher overall mean score of academic motivation than public medical school students, although the difference was not statistically significant. Private medical school students scored higher in the Intrinsic Motivation - To Know (p-value&lt;0.001), and Intrinsic Motivation - To Experience Stimulation (p-value=0.001) subscales. Public medical school students scored higher in the Extrinsic Motivation - Introjected subscale. Hostellers and day scholars showed no significant difference in overall academic motivation. Conclusion: The study provides insights into the academic motivation of first-year medical students. No signifi cant differences were found in the overall academic motivation scores of different demographic groups of the students. However, differences were observed in the subscale scores of students. Private sector medical students and male students scored higher in Intrinsic Motivation - to know and experience stimulation than public sector medical students and female students respectively.

A National Survey about Online Teaching in Medicine and Dental Medicine in the Universities of Morocco

Introduction: Learning is the process by which we acquire knowledge or expertise. All teaching is done with the objective of transferring factual, conceptual or processual knowledge, acquiring skills, inculcating attitudes or bringing out, appropriating or developing reflexes or routines. Distance learning can be a substitute for face-to-face teaching, a complement or a useful reinforcement to it. Distance learning has emerged as a new teaching method to maintain the continuity of medical education during the closure of educational institutions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to explore the status of distance learning among medical students during their clinical years and to identify possible challenges, limitations, satisfaction, and prospects for this approach to learning. Methods: This cross-sectional study was based on a questionnaire that was designed and administered to students in their clinical years from public and private medical and dental schools. For this study, the estimated sample size was 1584. Results: A total of 1584 students completed the questionnaire, among them 1407 respondents (88.8%) stated that they had used the educational platform to access their course. Among these students, 55.4% (878) think that access is easy, 35.3% (550) find it quite difficult and 9.3% (149) difficult. 43.2% (685) of the students prefer the face-to-face system, 35.4% prefer the hybrid system. Only 21.4% (339) prefer the distance learning system. The overall satisfaction rate with medical distance education was 18.2%; with 31.4% being somewhat satisfied with distance education during this period of confinement and 5.7% very satisfied. Discussion: Regardless of the reported benefits, medical students prefer the blended or face-to-face approach to teaching because distance learning was a major challenge to acquiring equivalent clinical medical skills. Satisfaction with distance education is strongly related to students' prior experience with distance education as well as instructors' experiences and interactions. Technical and infrastructural resources were reported as a major challenge to implementing distance learning.

Nascent Entrepreneurial Behaviour Among Medical Students in Malaysia: The Role of Sociodemographic Factors

Entrepreneurship is a viable option for young doctors looking for careers beyond patient care. Nascent entrepreneurial behaviour is said to predict future entrepreneurship. To understand whether medical students possess an entrepreneurial spirit, this research aimed to assess nascent entrepreneurial behaviour among students at a private medical school in Malaysia and the sociodemographic factors influencing it. A quantitative approach with a cross-sectional survey design was employed. The data were collected from 318 medical students selected by a disproportionate stratified random sampling technique. The respondents rated their nascent entrepreneurial behaviour on a 13-item selfadministered questionnaire. The responses obtained were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests. Medical students in Malaysia showed moderately low levels of nascent entrepreneurial behaviour. Among the sociodemographic factors, gender and marital status significantly influenced nascent entrepreneurial behaviour among the medical students. The year of study, ethnicity and family income were insignificant. The low level of nascent entrepreneurial behaviour among medical students in Malaysia implies that they are likelier to be job seekers than job creators. Therefore, higher education institutions across the globe need to foster entrepreneurial values in all students, irrespective of their chosen field of study. An understanding of the sociodemographic factors that influence nascent entrepreneurial behaviour will help policymakers plan remedial steps to inculcate an entrepreneurial mindset among medical students.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LIFESTYLE AND ORAL HEALTH

Many cultural practices, conventions, and tenets make up people's lifestyles. Healthful behaviors are necessary for good health. Poor nutrition, inactivity, smoking, obesity, and diabetes are major causes of tooth decay and gum disease. This study compared the dental health of affluent and underprivileged people by examining their lifestyles. A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2020 and January 2021 to compare the dental health and lifestyle behaviors of people from different socio-economic classes. Low-SEC students were selected from a public university in Lyari, while high-SEC students were selected from a private medical school. The study used a standardized questionnaire to assess socio-economic status and lifestyle behaviors such as sleep and leisure and conducted thorough extra- and intra-oral examinations to report dental caries prevalence. The data was analyzed using SPSS 23. The most significant factor in the high prevalence of dental caries (p&lt;0.05) in the low socio-economic group was the time spent watching television. There was also no correlation between the other factors, such as interest in reading or computer use. This study suggested examining lifestyle and socio-economic status's effects on oral health. Health awareness, dental treatment availability, and socio-economic level affect oral health practices and lifestyle. TV harms teeth. Thus, oral health and disease prevention require healthy and active lifestyles in young children and adults. This study linked dental health to socio-economic status. Income and education are risk factors for poor oral health.

Delivering Effective Medical Education in the Midst of a Pandemic-A Reflective Narrative

The COVID 19 pandemic was a disruptor in all spheres of activity including education.&#x0D; This article reflects lessons learnt during the pandemic to ensure uninterrupted delivery of teaching, learning and assessment online. Difficulties with online platforms, faculty development to adopt new methods of teaching as well as ensuring student wellbeing are discussed. The need to ensure reliable and valid assessment is discussed. Finally, the need for good record keeping and ensuring regulatory standards are not breached is emphasized. This is a personal reflection of 3 academics who participated in the implementation of the process in a private medical school and is supported by good practice evidence as reference.

Impact of medical students’ socioeconomic backgrounds on medical school application, admission and migration in Japan: a web-based survey

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to clarify and compare the socioeconomic backgrounds of medical students with those of other health professions and non-health faculty students in an era of...

Implementation evaluation ofa medical student-led intervention to enhance students' engagement with research: Findings and lessons learned.

Medical colleges globally have student organizations that serve to enable students' involvement in research. However, details of their approach and activities are seldom published to serve as learning for student organizations in other settings. The Student Research Forum (SRF), a student organization based at a private medical school in Pakistan aims to facilitate students in acquiring research skills. Following the observation of a downward trajectory of student initiative and interest, SRF leadership restructured the organization and improve its impact. This study describes the development and implementation evaluation of the interventions. The operational framework was revised using the Theory of Change by the core group. Major interventions included enhanced social media and outreach coordination, research workshops, journal clubs, and mentorship to increase research output, mentorship opportunities, and knowledge of medical research; ultimately improving quality in research. The outcomes generated over the course of the study's duration from July 2019 to September 2021 were analyzed using the process metrics of reach, adoption, and efficacy. As a result of the interventions, SRF expanded its reach by conducting a total of 41 events during the duration of the study, facilitated by social media growth on each of SRF's online platforms, with a 300% increase in followers on Facebook, and a nationwide network of 91 student ambassadors. An annual workshop series taught research skills to more than 3800 participants. Students leading their own events, SRF featuring international speakers, and the abstracts submitted to SRF's annual conference, along with the conference's reach of 10,000 students, are seen as improvements in the ToC-informed interventions' adoption. The efficacy of the interventions manifested as the REACH program allocated 56 research projects to vetted applicants. The applied interventions have accelerated SRF's progress towards achieving its long-term outcome of increased quality in research as translated by increased research output quantity, mentorship, and knowledge of medical research. Further evaluation is required to assess the success of the ToC. As SRF continues to grow, a continued analysis of the implementation outcomes is imperative to gauge its effectiveness.