Students In South India Research Articles

Extent of knowledge and attitudes on plagiarism among undergraduate medical students in South India - a multicentre, cross-sectional study to determine the need for incorporating research ethics in medical undergraduate curriculum

BackgroundUndergraduate medical students in India participate in various research activities However, plagiarism is rampant, and we hypothesize that it is the lack of knowledge on how to avoid plagiarism. This study’s objective was to measure the extent of knowledge and attitudes towards plagiarism among undergraduate medical students in India.MethodsIt was a multicentre, cross-sectional study conducted over a two-year period (January 2018 – December 2019). Undergraduate medical students were given a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire which contained: (a) Demographic details; (b) A quiz developed by Indiana University, USA to assess knowledge; and (c) Attitudes towards Plagiarism (ATP) questionnaire.ResultsEleven medical colleges (n = 4 government medical colleges [GMCs] and n = 7 private medical colleges [PMCs]) participated. A total of N = 4183 students consented. The mean (SD) knowledge score was 4.54 (1.78) out of 10. The factors (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]; 95% Confidence interval [CI]; p value) that emerged as significant predictors of poor knowledge score were early years of medical education (0.110; 0.063, 0.156; < 0.001) and being enrolled in a GMC (0.348; 0.233, 0.463; < 0.001).The overall mean (SD) scores of the three attitude components namely permissive, critical and submissive norms were 37.56 (5.25), 20.35 (4.20) and 31.20 (4.28) respectively, corresponding to the moderate category.ConclusionThe overall knowledge score was poor. A vast majority of study participants fell in the moderate category of attitude score. These findings warrant the need for incorporating formal training in the medical education curriculum.

Investigating Empathy: The Unresolved Enigma - A Multicenter Study among Dental Students in South India

Introduction: Empathy in health care is associated with a reduction in patient’s anxiety, improved cooperation in child patients, increased treatment compliance, improved treatment outcomes, and reduced stress. A recent systematic review of research on empathy among dental students stated that there is not enough evidence to understand empathy among dental students. A gap still exists in the understanding of the link between Empathy and gender and year of study. This multi-centric, cross-sectional study assesses the gender-wise and year-wise differences in empathy among dental students in Puducherry. Materials and Methods: Four hundred and fourteen clinical students (3rd year, final year, interns and postgraduates) of three Dental Institutes participated in the study. Empathy was scored using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy – Healthcare Provider-Student version assessed on a five -point Likert scale. Student’s t-test and one-way ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. (P &lt; 0.05). Results: Mean Empathy Score among the dental students was 68.71 (SD 7.441); 32.4% were male 67.6% were female. Difference in mean empathy scores between males (67.64 ± 7.72) and Females (69.22 ± 7.26) was statistically significant (P = 0.043). Interns showed the highest empathy levels and post-graduates the lowest. However, the difference in empathy levels across the different years of study was not statistically significant. (Third year 68.75 ± 7.24, final year 68.07 ± 6.97, interns 69.82 ± 7.82 and postgraduates 67.87 ± 8.13; P = 0.206). Conclusion: Empathy level among the students was low. Females had higher empathy levels. Among the undergraduates, empathy levels did not decline with increase in year of study, a finding which is contradictory to existing evidence. Educational reforms in the existing curriculum are required to impart ethics and professionalism and improve the empathy levels of dental students.

Prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among private medical college students in South India: A cross-sectional study

Medical education is competitive across the globe. The long duration of the medical and paramedical courses and exposure to clinical settings potentially causes mental health issues. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among undergraduate students in a private medical college in South India. This cross-sectional study was conducted among paramedical and medical students at a private medical college hospital and research center in South India in the year 2021. The required sample size was calculated as 783 with an expected prevalence of 53%, 95% confidence interval (CI), design effect 2.0, and non-response of 10%. The study participants were selected based on simple random sampling. After obtaining informed consent, the data was collected using an email questionnaire. Standard data collection tools such as the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS); and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 (DASS-21) questionnaire were used. The investigator computed the odds ratio (OR) and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with a 95% CI. Out of 1200 students, 1015 (85%) responded to the email questionnaire. Among them, 639 were females (63%), and 925 were paramedics (91%). Prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress were 59%, 43% and 11%, respectively. Almost 95% of students experienced moderate-to-severe stress in the last one month. Prevalence was higher among females and students of medical courses. Students of final year of college (aOR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.2-3.5) and students of medical course (aOR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.1-2.4) were independently associated with stress among the study participants. There is high prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among medical college students in south India. The final year of study and medical course were independently associated with higher stress than others. We recommend periodic assessment of mental health status and additional mental health care for final year students and medical students.

Relationship between sense of coherence, OHRQoL, and dental caries among nursing students in South India.

Dental caries is one of the most common dental diseases that affect all population and is associated with the avoidance of care. Research has reported that sense of coherence (SOC) is related to many aspects of health including oral health. SOC determines the quality of health and might have a direct association with the development of subjective assessments of oral health. To find the association between SOC, Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) and caries status among nursing college students in southern state of India. Cross-sectional design using questionnaire and assessment of caries status. Nursing students from south India. Convenience sampling method was followed and students who were present on the day of the study and consented to participate were included in the study. The total study sample consisted of 494 nursing students. SOC and OHRQoL were measured by a self-administered questionnaire; caries status was assessed using Decayed, Missing and Filled Tooth (DMFT) index. Association between SOC and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) and caries status and OHIP was found to be statistically significant. Correlation between dental caries and OHIP was found to be statistically significant, with R-value -0.251 shows that OHIP is negatively correlated with caries status. SOC as a psychosocial resource is capable of facilitating the motivation for positive oral health behaviours. These resources along with socio-economic and demographic factors can create an environment that is partially responsible for the individuals' cognitive and physical functions that can express themselves as the individuals' well-being and positive health behaviours.

A STUDY ON THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF FoMO ON SOCIAL MEDIA (INSTAGRAM ) INDUCED TRAVEL ADDICTION AND RISK TAKING TRAVEL BEHAVIORAL INTENTION IN YOUTH

The effect of social media on youth is immense. Fear of missing out (FoMO) is a common repercussion found in youth due to extreme usage of social media platforms. They suffer from FoMO in the context of travel and tour. This behavior leads to impulsive travel decisions plus risk-taking travel attitude. The present study examines the impact of Social Media (Instagram) induced Travel Addiction on youth's Risk-Taking Travel Behavioral Intention with FoMO as a mediating variable. An online survey conducted amidst 420 South Indian students revealed that Social Media (Instagram) induced Travel Addiction (SMTA) had a direct positive impact (β = 0.29, p &lt;0.05) on Risk Taking Travel Behavioural Intention (RTTBI). It was also observed that Social Media (Instagram) induced Travel Addiction had a direct positive impact on FoMO (β = 0.58, p &lt;0.05), and FoMO had a direct positive impact (β = 0.19, p &lt;0.05) on Risk-Taking Travel Behaviour Intention. Further, FoMO was also observed to mediate the connection between Social Media (Instagram) induced Travel Addiction and Risk-Taking Travel Behavioural Intention. It is proposed that parents, teachers, and educational institutes regulate risk-taking travel behavior in youth. Furthermore, it is suggested that the youths be provided with coping/resilience strategies to deal with social media addiction. The limitations, implications for future research, and recommendations are also discussed in the paper.

Prevalence of internet addiction and its relationship with disordered eating among medical college students in south India: a cross-sectional study

Prevalence of internet addiction and its relationship with disordered eating among medical college students in south India: a cross-sectional study

Menstrual characteristics and association of body mass index with dysmenorrhoea among the medical students in South India

Introduction: Menstrual cycle is a physiological phenomenon consisting of cyclical shedding of endometrium, occurring on an average of 28±7 days in every woman’s life in response to hormones during their reproductive years. The production of hormones from hypothalamus (gonadotropin-releasing hormone), pituitary (FSH and LH) and ovaries (progesterone and androstenedione, etc.) are regulated by positive and negative feedback mechanisms. The interaction of these hormones result in the menstrual cycles. Dysmenorrhea, is a cyclical painful cramping sensation in the lower abdomen, which might radiate to the back, occurring before and/or during menstruation. Its prevalence ranges between 25-90%. Medical students endure relatively greater amount of stress due to the vast subject which is to be studied in their MBBS course coupled with the lack of outdoor physical activity. Also, a high prevalence of irregularity of periods if undetected early can lead to polycystic ovarian diseases which are one of the causes of infertility. The menstrual characteristics (the menstrual cycle bleeding patterns, length, etc.) are important indicators of endocrine and uterine dysfunctions/abnormalities like Polycystic Ovarian Disorders. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the menstrual pattern in young adult females. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among female MBBS students and interns of a medical college in South India. Data was collected in a semi-structured questionnaire consisting of details regarding the menstrual history followed by clinical examination and relevant investigations as necessary. Results: Total 204 female MBBS students with an average age of 21.1±2 years participated in the study. Polymenorrhea and oligomenorrhea was seen in 3% and 13% of the students respectively. Dysmenorrhea was reported by 53.9% of the students. Study found that a high percentage (83.3%) of students who were over weight/obese suffered from dysmenorrhea. Whe

Impact of Lockdown on the Attitude of University Students in South India-A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

IntroductionThe whole world is under the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic which has put all nations in a unique lockdown situation to contain the disease. Though the environment got ameliorated with low pollution levels, this unexpected lockdown has taken a toll on humans’ mental health. As the effects of lockdown can affect college students due to fear, anxiety and stress, this study intends to assess the attitude of the university students.MethodologyAn online questionnaire survey comprising 15 questions was conducted among four South Indian state university students. Their responses were recorded through Google Forms. The submitted responses were analysed using SPSS software version 17.ResultsIn total, 1241 responses were recorded from university students belonging to various faculties. Though 43% considered this lockdown as a convenient break, 60% could not focus on their studies. The importance of renewing relationships was felt by 47%, and 83% tried to learn a new skill. Students from Tamil Nadu were looking forward towards a brighter future after the lockdown.ConclusionThis survey conducted in the early days of lockdown indicated that the university students were not anxious about the long-term effects of the pandemic but showed a decline in their academic performance.

Response of cardiovascular system to exercise using bicycle ergometer among first year medical students

Background: Hypertension is becoming more common in young adults because of sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise in this digital world. The literature regarding the prevalence of hypertension among medical students in South India is limited. This study was done to find out the cardiovascular response in response to bicycle ergometric exercises. Aim and Objectives: This study aims to find the response of short time effect of exercise on cardiovascular system by using bicycle ergometer among medical students and to determine the prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension in them. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 medical students to assess their cardiovascular response to bicycle ergometer exercise. The subject was instructed to pedal the cycle for 5 min with 50–60 revolutions per minute. Pulse rate and blood pressure (BP) were recorded in resting state, during exercise (at 3 min), after exercise (at 5 min), and after recovery (10 min). Statistical analysis was performed using repeated measure ANOVA test and Pearson’s correlation co-efficient. Results: About 24% students had increased systolic and 15% had increased diastolic BPs at rest. There was a significant increase in both during exercise. Ten minutes after exercise, the systolic BP was in prehypertensive range in 25% and Stage 1 hypertension in 2% students. Body mass index correlated with BP positively. Conclusion: The prevalence of prehypertension among asymptomatic healthy medical students is high. Medical students need orientation to improve their knowledge, attitude, and lifestyle practices early in life for prevention and treatment of hypertension.

Prevalence and risk factors of internet addiction among health science college students in South India

The commonness of Internet Addiction (IA) among well-being science undergrads has not been accounted for utilizing a huge example. To explain the genuine status of addictive Internet use among well-being science undergrads, this examination meant to assess the commonness and the hazard variables of IA and in danger IA among well-being science understudies in south India. This cross-sectional investigation studied all well-being science undergrad workforces in Kattankulathur Prefecture, a country zone in India. Qualified members included 1165 understudies' students (533 men and 632 women). Members finished a poll on their exercises and factors identified with Internet use. The pervasiveness of IA and in danger IA was 24.7% and 26.8%, individually. Besides, game playing was demonstrated to be Internet action most firmly connected with in danger IA. This examination demonstrated that around 27% of well-being science undergrads in an urban/provincial region in India are in danger of building up a dependence on the internet and that utilizing the internet for game playing is identified within danger IA. Our outcomes propose that well-being science understudies ought to be told to utilize the internet appropriately and rouse to a valuable path for study and information purposes.

Bleaching and skin-lightening practice among female students in South India: A cross-sectional survey.

Bleaching with skin-lightening preparations is a common practice in our society. Particularly, a practice simply known as "bleaching"-referring to application of skin-lightening chemicals including ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, and hypochlorite, repeated at intervals, as a salon-based or home-based procedure appears wide-spread among young females in India. However, there is limited medical literature on "bleaching." We aimed to estimate the prevalence of "bleaching" among female students of our campus and to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding "bleaching" in the same population. A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted among the female students of the campus following a presurvey focus group discussion with a representative group. A pilot survey conducted to standardize the survey questionnaire showed a high reliability (Cronbach's alpha>0.7). Descriptive statistical methods were used to assess survey results, and frequencies were presented as percentages. A total of 880 valid responses were analyzed (age group 17-30years, mean age-20.24years). 34.77% had done "bleaching" at least once. 63.8% of respondents did not know the ingredients, and 40.5% did not know about the side effects of "bleaching." 60.06% of those who bleached had experienced an adverse effect. 58.18% respondents knew about "bleaching" from friends/relatives and 17% from parlors. Only 2.3% respondents had consulted a dermatologist, and only 22.8% had used sunscreens. Top motivation to bleach was to lighten facial hairs (19.5%), for a "lighter" complexion (15.1%) and achieve "glow" before a function (15.2%). Facial skin and hair "bleaching" is common in our society, and awareness regarding "bleaching" is low even among educated youth.

Attitude towards shared learning activities and Interprofessional education among dental students in South India.

Interprofessional Education (IPE) and Interprofessional Collaboration (IPC) are being introduced in healthcare institutions gradually to enable comprehensive learning and its application to enhance community health outcomes. To assess the attitude of dental students towards Interprofessional Education (IPE) and Interprofessional Collaboration (IPC) To assess whether Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) is a suitable instrument to measure the attitude of under graduate dental students towards IPE. To assess how the study year and gender affect the attitude of under graduate dental students towards IPE. The research design was a cross-sectional survey. The dental students of first to fifth year based on availability of students and the existing academic calendar were participated in the study. A total number of 417 validated RIPLS questionnaire were distributed to dental students studying in two dental institutions at Manipal in South India in the year 2017 with the collected response rate of 81.53%. Principal component analysis of the responses was applied to the data along with Varimax rotation and Cronbach alpha to confirm the internal consistency of the questionnaire. Independent sample t test and ANOVA were used to assess the differences between the groups. Seventy five percent of the respondents were females, and the mean age was 21.26years (SD=1.34). The mean scores in RIPLS and all its subscales were high. The mean scores were also higher as the year of study increased and with female students. Senior and female dental students had more encouraging attitudes towards shared learning. The RIPLS can be utilised to determine the different subscales of learning namely learning behaviour, attitudes, teamwork and collaboration, professional identity perspectives, and roles and responsibilities towards interprofessional education of dental students. The dental students with an Indian outlook, perspective and training had a favourable attitude towards interprofessional learning.

Prevalence of overweight &amp; obesity-associated risk factors amongst medical students in South India

Obesity is defined as an excessive accumulation of body fat to an extent where health is impaired. Obesity among students is progressing towards an epidemic level. The change in lifestyle, lack of physical activity and exercise, improper eating habits and lack of awareness about obesity which has become a major problem of college students, especially among medical students. This study was conducted with the objective to estimate the prevalence of overweight &amp; obesity and associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students of Saveetha Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) with a sample size of 230 and a purposive sampling technique was used. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using relevant statistical tests. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was 20.4% and 2.1%, respectively and factors such as diet pattern and sleep duration are significantly associated with overweight and obesity. Measures such as motivating the students, organizing group exercise activities and making physical activity as part of the curriculum and importance of adequate sleep should be emphasized.

Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme on Recent Advances in Robotic Rehabilitation among Final year BSc Nursing Students in South India, India

Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme on Recent Advances in Robotic Rehabilitation among Final year BSc Nursing Students in South India, India

A cross-sectional study on prevalence of eating disorder and body image disturbance among female undergraduate medical students

Background: Eating disorders describe illnesses that are characterized by irregular eating habits and severe distress or concern about bodyweight or shape. Female college students have been reported to be more keen to have a thinner figure than their male counterparts in both Western and Asian settings. This study aims to find the prevalence of eating disorders and body shape concerns among female undergraduate medical students in South India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from female undergraduate medical students of a private medical college in south India. Study instruments include a semi-structured pro forma, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q 6.0), and Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ 34). Descriptive analyses of sociodemographic variables and scores in the questionnaires were carried out. Results: One hundred and ninety-nine female students participated in the study were included for analysis. The mean age of the students was 20.4 years. Mean body mass index (BMI) score was found to be 23.78. On EDE-Q, 13.6% of students scored more than 5 suggesting presence of eating disorder. 61.9% had mild-to-moderate concerns on their body shape while 9% had severe concerns. BMI and body shape concerns positively correlated with subscales of eating disorder. Conclusion: This study showed significant presence of eating disorder symptoms and body image dissatisfaction among female college students. Addressing this subset of population with regards to these concerns may help prevent onset of mental health and behavioral problems in future.

Prevalence and practice of self-medication among undergraduate medical students and non-medical students in south India

Background: Self-medication is commonly practiced worldwide and the irrational use of drugs for self-medication is a major cause of concern. The situation is more complex when a number of prescriptions only medicines are used for self-medication which are easily available over the counter through pharmacies without any prescription. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and practice of self-medication among undergraduate medical students and non-medical students.Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire based study was carried out among 100 undergraduate students of a tertiary care medical college and 100 undergraduate students of an arts and science college in south India. The respondents were selected from the students who were present on the day of study. A pre-tested, self-assessing questionnaire was used to obtain the information on the prevalence and practice of self-medication.Results: Self-medication was practiced by 96% and 92% of medical and nonmedical students respectively. Overall practice of self-medication was 94%. Majority of females were self-medicating than males, 94% and 90% respectively. The most common symptom leading to self-medication among medical students were cough and common cold compared to headache among nonmedical students. The commonly used medicines for self-medication in both the groups were analgesics, antipyretics, cough suppressants and antibiotics. More number of medical students reported the use of antibiotics to treat infections (70%) which was statistically significant.Conclusions: The prevalence and practice of self-medication was alarming in both groups. The use of antimicrobials was also found to be very high among medical students. It is a need of the hour to create better awareness regarding the use of drugs for self-medication, to implement policies to prevent the dispensing of medicines without any prescription which would remain as the cornerstone for reducing the practice of self-medication.

Knowledge, attitudes and factors associated with acceptability of human papillomavirus vaccination among undergraduate medical, dental and nursing students in South India

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate knowledge, attitudes and factors associated with acceptability of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among undergraduate medical, dental, and nursing students in South India. Methods: Using a post-test study design, a convenience sample of 988 students (age 18–26 years) were surveyed. The primary outcome was vaccine acceptability (likely to intend to receive the vaccine). Bivariate analysis using Chi-Square test of independence and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine factors associated with vaccine acceptability. Results: Out of 988 students surveyed, majority had heard about cervical cancer (95%), HPV (89.3) or genital warts(77.5). Only 59.7% had heard of HPV vaccine prior to the survey; 65.2% intended to receive the vaccine and 68.3% were willing to recommend the vaccine to others. Participants aged <22 years were less likely to accept the vaccine (OR:0.85, CI:0.76–0.96) compared with participants aged older than 22 years. Medical students (OR:1.12, CI:1.03–1.23), students who reported alcohol use (OR:1.15, CI:1.03–1.29) and those with moderate knowledge scores were more likely to intend to receive the vaccine (OR:1.14, CI:1.04–1.24), compared to others. On multivariate analysis, only course (OR 1.366, CI 1.016–1.835) and attitude score (OR 4.17; CI 2.12–8.2) were statistically associated with intention to receive the HPV vaccine. Conclusion: Two-thirds of students intended to receive the HPV vaccine. Although the overall awareness of the HPV-related disease and prevention is good, considerable knowledge gaps exists in many areas suggesting that that more education about HPV disease and benefits of vaccination should be included in the undergraduate medical school curriculum.

Prevalence of Refractive Error among College Students in South India: A Pilot Study

Prevalence of Refractive Error among College Students in South India: A Pilot Study

Evaluation of efficacy of jaggery and raisins as supplements in iron deficiency anemia among medical undergraduate students in South India

Background: Anemia is defined as a reduction of the total circulating red cell mass and is a major public health problem in India. More than 1.6 billion anemic people have manifestations of iron deficiency anemia (IDA). The best and most sustainable strategy for preventing micronutrient (iron and folic acid) deficiency is dietary supplement. Adolescent age group is the window of opportunity to correct their nutritional status by providing additional food supplements and prevent future consequences of nutritional deficiencies. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of jaggery and raisins as supplements in treating iron deficiency anemia. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective interventional clinical endpoint study conducted among 50 female medical undergraduate students. They randomly received oral nutritional supplement (jaggery balls - 5 g and raisins - 5 g) once daily in the morning for 8 weeks. Body weight and complete blood count were assessed before and at the end of 8 weeks of intervention. Results: After 8 weeks of daily supplementation of jaggery and raisins, we observed that there was a significant rise in the mean hemoglobin (Hb) level to 11.79 ± 1.07 (P < 0.0001) and also a significant rise in the mean red blood cell count to 4.22 ± 0.30 (P < 0.0001) compared to baseline values. Conclusion: The outcome of this study proved the effective role of the nutritional supplementation in improving the Hb status in IDA. Combination of jaggery with raisins proved to be a better natural food supplement to overcome IDA without prominent side effects as observed with oral and parenteral iron preparations. It can also be used as a prophylactic strategy to combat iron deficiency in vulnerable population.

A Study of Perceived Stress Levels in Medical Students and Dental Students in South India

A Study of Perceived Stress Levels in Medical Students and Dental Students in South India