Professor Of Medicine Research Articles

20th SASMA Congress 2024

Free communication, clinical case, poster and student abstracts of the 20th South African Sports Medicine (SASMA) Congress 2024.

Undergraduate health science students’ knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers towards research at Kuwait university: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Introduction Research is the most reliable strategy to advance scientific understanding and enhance multiple healthcare services1. Integrating undergraduate health science students into research at an early stage is an important step towards improving critical thinking and problem-based solving, which in return enhances patient health outcomes2. Aim The aim of this study was to assess undergraduate health science students’ knowledge, attitudes, practices and perceived barriers towards research at Kuwait University. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate health science students from the Colleges of Pharmacy, Medicine, Allied Health, Dentistry, and Public Health at Kuwait University. A self-administered online questionnaire consisting of five sections was used. The first section included questions to assess the demographic characteristics. The second section aimed to assess the knowledge of undergraduate students regarding basic research (score = low ≤3, moderate 4-5, high >5). The third section assessed attitude toward research by a five-point Likert scale (score = negative 31-75, neutral 76-110, positive 111-155). The fourth section of the questionnaire aimed to assess the perception of the barriers toward research practice (score = low 0-50, moderate 51-75, high 76-100). Finally, a section with eight questions on research practices. The questionnaire was distributed through online educational and social media platforms, such as WhatsApp and Microsoft Teams. Students from any academic year and who were enrolled as health science students at the time of the study were eligible to participate. The questionnaire was pilot tested prior to distribution. The recommended sample size was calculated using Raosoft (344 students)3. Ethical approval was received from The Health Sciences Ethical Committee, Kuwait University (reference: VDR/EC-393). Results A total of 364 undergraduate medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, allied health and public health students participated in the study. The participants were from different academic stages, ranging from first-year to seventh-year. The results showed that the students possessed moderate knowledge levels, with a median of 3 out of 8 according to the scoring system of the study. Most students had neutral attitudes (N=253; 69.5%) and moderate levels of perceived barriers (N=200; 54.9%). Medical and pharmacy students had significantly higher knowledge levels compared to the others (p<0.001; Kruskal-Wallis). The majority of students agreed that the lack of time is a barrier towards conducting research (N=237; 65.1%). Almost one half of the study participants took part in research projects (N=175; 48.1%) and a promising number of students had publications or poster presentations (N=67; 18.4%). Discussion/Conclusion The results suggest that undergraduate health science students at Kuwait University possess moderate research knowledge and have neutral attitudes towards research. Time constraints were the most frequently reported barrier to participation. While nearly half of the students participated in research projects, implementing mandatory research projects and providing research methodology workshops could significantly enhance student knowledge, attitudes, and future research engagement. A key limitation in this study is that observed relationships may not reflect long-term shifts in knowledge, attitudes, or practices. The study was also conducted in one university (Kuwait University), therefore the findings and results cannot be generalized to other undergraduate students.

Prevalence of Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder among Medical Students, King Faisal University

Background: The neurobehavioral disorder known as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is typified by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and difficulty in maintaining focus. According to recent research, it can last into adulthood. Regarding identifying adult ADHD, the fifth edition of the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" has undergone major alteration. As far as we are aware, few research has been done in the Gulf region on adult ADHD among medical students.Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out on students of medicine from all academic years in King Faisal University, Hofuf, from December 2023 until June 2024. 279 medical students participated in the study. Self-reported English questionnaires with two sections—a sociodemographic section and a screening scale for adult ADHD based on the DSM5 version—were utilized for the investigation. Outcomes: (14. %) of pupils mentioned having signs of ADHD. Results: Of the sample, 14% of students exhibited ADHD symptoms, a rate higher than the global prevalence. Female students (13.1%) and first-year students (18.9%) showed significant ADHD symptoms. Psychological comorbidities were present in 28.6% of ADHD-affected students compared to 11.4% of non-affected students. The ADHD group demonstrated mild but notable challenges in concentration, relaxation, and impulsive behavior, with implications for academic performance and stress management.Conclusion: Our study shows a higher prevalence compared with a worldwide prevalence of i.e., 14%. This difference could be due to community interaction and way of living life style factors. Those individuals may have difficulty in communication and learning which can disturb students’ academic efficiency, lengthen their study, and even disturb their development.

A novel step-by-step teaching method improves training outcomes in transvaginal ultrasound for postgraduate reproductive medicine students: an exploratory randomized controlled study

BackgroundTraditional methods of training in ultrasound technology make it difficult for postgraduate reproductive medicine students to rapidly develop into doctors who can perform clinical examinations independently. It is necessary to explore an efficient method for ultrasound training. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the step-by-step (SBS) teaching improves the ultrasound diagnosis and clinical work level of reproductive medicine graduate students.MethodsA total of fifty postgraduate reproductive medicine students who participated in ultrasound room training were selected at random and divided into two groups: a traditional teaching control group and a stepwise teaching experimental group. A comparison was subsequently conducted between the two groups in terms of theoretical level, skill operation, comprehensive ability and teaching evaluation.ResultsIn terms of theory, skills, and comprehensive assessment, the experimental group exhibited superior performance compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The experimental group rated the instructors’ teaching ability and methods significantly better than did the control group (P < 0.05). The experimental group’s overall satisfaction with the training was better than that of the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe stepped teaching model has the potential to facilitate the acquisition of clinical ultrasound detection and diagnostic techniques by postgraduate reproductive medicine students, thereby enhancing their overall competence and satisfaction with the teaching process.

Comparison and AI-based prediction of graph comprehension skills based on the visual strategies of first-year physics and medicine students

Graphical representations of data are common in many disciplines. Previous research has found that physics students appear to have better graph comprehension skills than students from social science disciplines, regardless of the task context. However, the graph comprehension skills of physics students have not yet been compared with (veterinary) medicine students, both of which are disciplines that require multiple science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses. This study extends previous research on this subject by exploring whether physics majors possess superior graph comprehension skills due to their study discipline. Here, participants solved 24 graph comprehension tasks across various subjects, including mathematics, physics, and medicine; these tests were conducted at the beginning and end of their first semester. Graph comprehension gain was calculated based on the percentage of correct and incorrect answers in the pretest and the post-test. In addition to these comparisons, we replicated previous research that successfully distinguished correct and incorrect solvers based on their visual behavior by using a novel machine-learning method tailored to small datasets. Through this replication of statistical analyses, we aim to ensure the reliability of adaptive learning systems in the future, regardless of data size, using the same machine-learning method. Physics and medical students were found to exhibit relatively similar graph comprehension gain; this is in contrast to previous research comparing physics and non-STEM students. Our results also revealed that both physics and medical students use similar visual strategies to solve these tasks. However, correct and incorrect solvers could be distinguished via machine-learning methods regardless of their discipline. Our research suggests that visual behavior is a good predictor of graph comprehension skills. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Assessing clinical medicine students’ acceptance of large language model: based on technology acceptance model

While large language models (LLMs) have demonstrated significant potential in medical education, there is limited understanding of medical students’ acceptance of LLMs and the factors influencing their use. This study explores medical students’ acceptance of LLMs in learning and examines the factors influencing this acceptance through the lens of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). A questionnaire survey conducted among Chinese medical students revealed a high willingness to use LLMs in their studies. The findings suggest that attitudes play a crucial role in predicting medical students’ behavioral intentions to use LLMs, mediating the effects of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived risk. Additionally, perceived risk and social influence directly impact behavioral intentions. This study provides compelling evidence supporting the applicability of the TAM to the acceptance of LLMs in medical education, highlighting the necessity for medical students to utilize LLMs as an auxiliary tool in their learning process.

Texas A&M University's newest veterinary practice externship program: connecting Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students with rural communities.

Texas A&M University's newest veterinary practice externship program: connecting Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students with rural communities.

Assessment of a Low-cost Canine Uterine Simulator as a Tool for Teaching the Ovariohysterectomy Technique to Veterinary Students.

The acquisition of skills to perform an ovariohysterectomy (OVH) is crucial for veterinary medicine students. It has been demonstrated that the most effective way to develop these skills is through repetitive training on simulators. Unfortunately, commercial simulators are expensive, limiting their use and highlighting the need for the development of more cost-effective alternatives. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a low-cost, easily constructed textile-based simulator for the canine ovaries and uterus in training veterinary students on the OVH technique. The impact of tutor guidance on student learning was also assessed. Participants were divided into two groups: simulator and tutor guidance (SG) and simulator only (SO). Each student performed 20 repetitions of the three-clamp OVH technique, and the number of errors and execution time were quantified. The SG group reached the learning curve plateau in terms of minimum errors on the 7th repetition and attained the fastest time on the 6th repetition. The SO group reached the learning curve plateau in terms of minimum errors and attained the fastest time both on the 15th repetition. From individuals in the SG group, there were no requests for tutor guidance from the 11th attempt. This low-cost simulator is ideal for training veterinary students in the early stages of surgical learning, as it effectively facilitates learning the OVH procedure without the use of live animals.

Mediating Role of Self-Criticism in the Relationship between Fear of Negative Evaluation and Self-Compassion with Social Anxiety in Yazd Medical Students

Introduction: Social anxiety is characterized by marked anxiety, cognitive and emotional dysfunction in social situations and can lead to social avoidance behavior. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mediating role of self-criticism in the relationship between the fear of negative evaluation and self-compassion with social anxiety in Yazd medical students. Methods: A correlational research study was conducted using structural equation modeling. The statistical population of the research consisted of all students of medicine, pharmacy and dentistry of Shahid Sadougi University of Medical Sciences in Yazd in the academic year of 2021-2022. The sample size of 250 people was determined; sampling was done by voluntary sampling method. Research instruments included social anxiety scale (Jarabek, 1996), fear of negative evaluation (Leary, 1983), short form of self-compassion (Rees et al., 2011) and self-criticism (Thompson and Zaroff, 2004), which were published online. Finally, the data of 227 students were analyzed by Pearson correlation and structural equation model using SPSS16 and Amos24 software. Results: The results showed that the direct effect of fear of negative evaluation and self-criticism on social anxiety was significant (P&lt;0.001) the direct effect of self-compassion on students' social anxiety was insignificant (P&lt;0.05) and the direct effect of fear of negative evaluation and self-compassion on self-criticism was also significant (P&lt;0.001). Similarly, the bootstrap results showed that the effect of fear of negative evaluation and self-compassion on social anxiety through self-criticism was significant (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Fear of negative evaluation significantly influences social anxiety, highlighting self-criticism's mediating role in this relationship.

A global investigation into antimicrobial knowledge in medicine, pharmacy, nursing, dentistry and veterinary undergraduate students: A scoping review to inform future planetary health multidisciplinary education

BackgroundInappropriate use of antimicrobials can push the environment out of balance, and cause unnecessary waste that can contaminate our soil, animals and waterways. Health professional education is committed to preparing students for antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) and supporting planetary health, but a more multidisciplinary action is needed to curb the expansion of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The aim of this scoping review is to showcase the current antimicrobial knowledge of undergraduate students across the disciplines of medicine, pharmacy, nursing, dentistry and veterinary. This will consequently showcase the gaps and trends across the different disciplines and countries to help inform planetary health multidisciplinary undergraduate curriculums.MethodsA search of the existing literature published prior to December 2023 was conducted using CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and ERIC databases. Studies were excluded if they included postgraduate students or discussed the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of students towards antimicrobial prescribing, AMR and AMS related to a specific learning activity.ResultsA total of 144 articles were included. The most represented countries were India and Pakistan accounting for 17% and 8% of the studies, respectively. Single-disciplinary research accounted for approximately 80% of the studies. Medicine was the most represented discipline in both single-disciplinary and multidisciplinary research, appearing in approximately 62% of the studies, followed by pharmacy appearing in approximately 30% of the studies and dentistry appearing in approximately 18% of the studies. Three major priority themes were identified: students are more familiar with the term AMR compared to AMS; inappropriate use of antimicrobials is seen as the main driver of AMR; and the need for more training and education in the field of appropriate antimicrobial prescribing, AMR and AMS.ConclusionThis review has highlighted that there is a need for more AMS interprofessional education (IPE) activities in all five disciplines, and especially within the disciplines of nursing, veterinary and dentistry, as shown by a lack of multidisciplinary research in this area. Most of the knowledge assessments have just touched the surface of AMS and focused on inappropriate antimicrobial use alone. Interdisciplinary planetary health education needs to go beyond these skills and broaden the understanding of other factors that can contribute to AMR such as inappropriate disposal, environmental contamination, monitoring and surveillance, one health, false allergies, and more importantly, how each health professional can contribute to a team.

Summary of presentations and urgent call to action

Abstract Dr. Silja Kosola MD PhD is Associate Professor of Adolescent Medicine and primary investigator with the University of Helsinki, Finland, and Research Director at the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County in Southern Finland. As the concluding presentation, Silja will quiz the audience again with the online tool, this time to gauge the responses and support of the solutions that have been outlined. She will present a summary of the points raised, and this will then lead into the interactive discussion about the call to action.

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.

Investigation of Global Climate Change Awareness Levels Among Faculty of Medicine Students

Abstract Background According to the WHO, climate change is the biggest threat to global health in the 21st century. Thus, it is important to understand medicine faculty students’-who are future doctors-awareness of climate change and its effects on human health. The aim of this study is to determine the level of awareness of Inonu University Faculty of Medicine students about global climate change. Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between February and March 2024. The target population consisted of 1692 students studying in a medical university. The sample size was calculated as 260 students based on a percentage of awareness of global climate change of 32.3%, and 283 respondents were included in the study. A questionnaire was used that included questions about the respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics and global climate change awareness. In addition, they answered the items of the Awareness Scale of University Students About Global Climate Change (GCCAS). The dependent variable was total GCCAS scores, and the independent variables included age, concern about climate change, and knowledge status. A Student’s t-test was used in the statistical analysis. Results Of the students, 50.2% were female, 51.6% were older than 22 years of age, 82% were worried about the negative effects of climate change, 79.5% said they received no education about climate change during their medical education. The mean total GCCAS score in the study group was 71.74 +/-13.81. Women, students who were concerned about climate change, and those who had knowledge about climate change had significantly higher mean GCCAS scores (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusions More than 75% of study group said that they had received no education about climate change. However, the percentage of students who were aware of and concerned about climate change and who had information about climate change was even higher. Key messages • Due to the potential for medical students to encounter the health effects of climate change, these issues should be included in education programs to increase their awareness of this important issue. • Medical students need to take conscious and informative steps regarding climate change to help protect the health of future generations.

Which Attributes Explain Gender Differences in Impostor Syndrome Scores in Medicine and Health Sciences Students: A Secondary Multivariate Analysis

Impostor Syndrome (IS) is a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as frauds, despite evidence of success. This study investigates gender differences in IS among 753 medical and health sciences students and graduates, using the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale. We aim to discern item-specific gender disparities in IS manifestations and develop a canonical variable that encapsulates these differences. Our findings reveal significant disparities: women display higher scores related to self-doubt and fear of failure, while specific IS aspects in men are associated with overcompensation. These insights suggest the need for gender-specific educational and clinical strategies to address IS in medicine and health sciences. By employing a multivariate analysis of variance, this study refines our understanding of how IS differently affects genders, aiding in the design of targeted interventions that can enhance well-being and professional efficacy among future healthcare professionals. Such strategies are crucial, emphasizing the importance of creating supportive environments to foster resilience in these high-stakes fields.

Transforming Care in SEA: Evidence and Considerations for Evolution of the Current Treatment Paradigm

This article reviews an industry symposium held on 8 September 2024 as part of the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress 2024 in Vienna, Austria, which brought together four experts to discuss the current treatment paradigm for severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA), including the role of biologics and background medication tapering. Katrin Milger-Kneidinger, Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University Hospital of the Ludwig Maximilian University Munich (LMU), in Germany, and the MedUni Graz, in Austria, explored the critical role eosinophils play in SEA pathology and how biologic therapies targeting eosinophils can address key disease features, including airway remodelling, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), and mucus production. Felix Herth, Professor of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Thoraxklinik Heidelberg, Heidelberg University Hospital, in Germany, discussed persistent airflow obstruction (PAO) in patients with SEA, focusing on a typical patient profile to understand the clinical manifestation and opportunities for management. Stephanie Korn, Professor of Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine at Thoraxklinik Heidelberg, Heidelberg University Hospital, in Germany, and Head of the Clinical Research Centre, Institute für Klinische Forschung (IKP) Pneumologie in Mainz, Germany, presented on remission as a clinical target in SEA, focusing on how biologics can help achieve remission in some patients. Lastly, in a discussion led by symposium chair Stefano Del Giacco, Professor of Medicine, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, at the University of Cagliari, Sardinia, in Italy, the experts agreed that a positive practice change would be to get more patients with relevant clinical manifestations on biologics, and that background medication tapering, when appropriate, could lead to improved patient outcomes and quality of life (QoL) in SEA.

Prioritising Patients and Planet: Advocating for Change in Respiratory Care

The global burden of respiratory diseases, particularly asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), continues unabated. Suboptimal management places a significant strain on both patients and urgent or emergency care services. With an ageing population in many countries, the demand for these services is set to increase further. At the same time, healthcare systems are striving to reduce their carbon footprint and achieve net zero emissions, as the healthcare sector is a significant contributor to carbon emissions worldwide. Although these two goals may appear contradictory, they need not be in conflict. This article reviews an industry-sponsored symposium held at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress 2024 in Vienna, Austria, in September 2024. The session addressed the urgent need to change the delivery model for respiratory healthcare in response to the increasing prevalence of respiratory diseases and the challenges posed by climate change. Co-chair John Hurst, Professor of Respiratory Medicine at University College London (UCL), UK, underscored the importance of innovative solutions for managing respiratory diseases and highlighted the challenges faced by healthcare decision-makers. This was further elaborated on by Omar Usmani, Professor of Respiratory Medicine at Imperial College London, UK, who emphasised the importance of clinical choice. He stated that inhaled medicines, which form the cornerstone of treatment, should not be considered interchangeable. He also discussed ongoing efforts to maintain access to essential medicines by developing novel next-generation propellants (NGP) for pressurised metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) devices, which will reduce their carbon footprint to levels comparable with dry powder inhalers (DPI). Additionally, he described the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) proposal to restrict a broad range of chemicals classed as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This precautionary measure would affect both current propellants in pMDIs and the transition to NGPs, with global implications for inhaled medicines. Erika Penz, Associate Professor of Respirology, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, noted that suboptimal management of respiratory disease is associated with a disproportionately high burden on both patients and the environment. The forthcoming availability of pMDI medicines with NGPs alone will not resolve this larger issue. As every healthcare interaction carries a carbon footprint, which increases with the intensity of treatment, the implementation of guidelines into clinical practice would improve patient outcomes and reduce the demand on healthcare services and the associated carbon emissions. Co-chair Helen Reddel, Clinical Professor and Research Leader at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Australia, concluded by re-emphasising the urgent need to implement guidelines immediately for the benefit of both patients and the environment.

Chris Redman: professor of obstetric medicine whose fetal heart monitoring system has saved thousands of lives

Chris Redman: professor of obstetric medicine whose fetal heart monitoring system has saved thousands of lives

A Retrospective Study of Virtual Hospital Experiential Learning Across Clerkship and Pre-clerkship Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Students at a Medical School Based in the United States

A Retrospective Study of Virtual Hospital Experiential Learning Across Clerkship and Pre-clerkship Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Students at a Medical School Based in the United States

Factor XI/XIa Inhibitors: What We Now Know

The emerging class of agents targeting factor XI/XIa offers the paradigm-shifting possibility of ‘haemostasis-sparing anticoagulation’: protection from stroke and other thromboembolic events with a benign bleeding profile. With three investigational agents now into late-phase development, two presentations delivered at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2024, held in London, UK, have added to our knowledge of this innovative and diverse class. The first of these presentations shared the full data from the OCEANIC-AF Phase III trial, in which the small molecule factor XIa inhibitor asundexian was compared with the factor Xa inhibitor apixaban for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation, and reviewed the probable reasons for the failure of this trial to meet its efficacy endpoint. The second presentation was a secondary analysis from the AZALEA-TIMI 71 Phase II trial, in which the safety of the monoclonal antibody factor XI inhibitor abelacimab was compared with that of the factor Xa inhibitor rivaroxaban in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing invasive procedures. This article is based on a post-ESC interview with Jeffrey I. Weitz, Professor of Medicine and Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences at McMaster University, Canada; Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Thrombosis and the Heart and Stroke Foundation; J.F. Mustard Chair in Cardiovascular Research; Executive Director of the Thrombosis and Atherosclerosis Research Institute (TaARI), in Hamilton, Canada; and Secretary General of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH). It assesses the current status and future prospects of the factor XI/XIa inhibitor class in light of these recent developments.

A narrative review exploring the attitudes of nursing and complementary medicine students and practitioners toward biosciences curricula

ABSTRACT A foundational understanding of the biosciences underpins most undergraduate programmes of study that lead to a career in the healthcare professions. The study of bioscience subjects including anatomy, physiology, microbiology and biochemistry has been reported to be challenging for a subset of these students with many students reporting negative attitudes. Identifying the factors that drive attitudes of students and practitioners towards the study of biosciences could inform curriculum modifications to reduce the challenges experienced by students. A review of the literature was undertaken using the search terms ‘student attitudes’, ‘biosciences’, ‘nursing’, ‘complementary medicine’, and ‘student success’. The review includes peer-reviewed primary data articles published from 1996 to 2023. The search identified 26 articles that met the inclusion criteria with the majority of published research in the nursing field. The literature review identified three major themes underpinning the attitudes towards biosciences reported by nursing and complementary medicine students and practitioners: actual or perceived intellectual difficulty of the bioscience content, a perceived lack of relevance of the bioscience subjects to their programme of study, and previous experiences studying the sciences. Negative attitudes towards the study of the biosciences can reduce engagement, create anxiety, decrease motivation to learn, and ultimately affect academic performance of students. Through identifying, acknowledging and responding to perceived challenges with bioscience subjects, educators may be able to improve engagement, performance and ultimately student success and enhanced practitioner knowledge and skills.