Final-year Students Research Articles

A Pilot Project to Promote Research Competency in Medical Students Through Journal Clubs: Mixed Methods Study.

Undergraduate medical students often lack hands-on research experience and fundamental scientific research skills, limiting their exposure to the practical aspects of scientific investigation. The Cerrahpasa Neuroscience Society introduced a program to address this deficiency and facilitate student-led research. The primary goal of this initiative was to enhance medical students' research output by enabling them to generate and publish peer-reviewed papers within the framework of this pilot project. The project aimed to provide an accessible, global model for research training through structured journal clubs, mentorship from experienced peers, and resource access. In January 2022, a total of 30 volunteer students from various Turkish medical schools participated in this course-based undergraduate research experience program. Students self-organized into 2 groups according to their preferred study type: original research or systematic review. Two final-year students with prior research experience led the project, developing training modules using selected materials. The project was implemented entirely online, with participants completing training modules before using their newly acquired theoretical knowledge to perform assigned tasks. Based on student feedback, the project timeline was adjusted to allow for greater flexibility in meeting deadlines. Despite these adjustments, participants successfully completed their tasks, applying the theoretical knowledge they had gained to their respective assignments. As of April 2024, the initiative has culminated in 3 published papers and 3 more under peer review. The project has also seen an increase in student interest in further involvement and self-paced learning. This initiative leverages globally accessible resources for research training, effectively fostering research competency among participants. It has successfully demonstrated the potential for undergraduates to contribute to medical research output and paved the way for a self-sustaining, student-led research program. Despite some logistical challenges, the project provided valuable insights for future implementations, showcasing the potential for students to engage in meaningful, publishable research.

Work Readiness Reviewed From Proactive Personality And Psychological Capital

Several factors, including proactive personality and psychological capital, influence work readiness. This study examines the influence of proactive personality and psychological capital on work readiness with a quantitative approach. The subjects of the study are final-year students from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Mulawarman University, consisting of cohorts from 2016-2021, selected using a random sampling technique. The data are collected through scales of work readiness, proactive personality, and psychological capital. The data analysis technique used is multiple linear regression. The collected data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (S.P.S.S.) program version 26.0 for Windows. This study's results indicate a significant influence of proactive personality and psychological capital on work readiness, as shown by the major hypothesis results: F = 21.291, R² = 0.428, and p = 0.000. This study concludes that there is a significant influence between proactive personality and psychological capital on work readiness.

Awareness and perception on the use of smartphone applications for crop protection among undergraduate students in Southwestern Nigeria

Mobile applications in crop protection especially for speedy pest diagnosis, monitoring, and management are increasingly gaining global attention and support. An understanding of the awareness and perception of the youths, particularly students in tertiary institutions (who are heavy users of smartphones), on the use of smartphone applications for crop protection, is crucial for sharpening their orientations towards embracing the digital ecosystem in agriculture. The imperativeness is evident in the ongoing government drive towards promoting students’ engagement in digital agriculture as accommodated in the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (2022–2027). Consequently, this study investigated awareness and perception of mobile phone applications among crop and agricultural extension-related final-year students in selected Universities in Southwest Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used in selecting 407 students. Data were obtained with the aid of questionnaires. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, mean and standard deviation using SPSS software. Findings show that very few (less than 8%) of the respondents were aware of the usage of specific smart/android phone applications for pest identification, disease diagnosis, and weather forecasting. Less than 4% ever used smart/android phones for pest identification, crop protection, and information sourcing on disease diagnosis and management. However, their perception of the need for pest and disease diagnosis as a foundation step to enhance crop protection (4.65 points on a scale of 5), and readiness to use android/smartphone applications for this purpose (MS = 4.45) was positive. There are enormous implications for increased awareness and knowledge sharing on the use of android/smartphone applications for crop protection and other interventions to promote digital agriculture among students in Nigeria.

Social work programs in Malaysian public universities: an analysis of barriers to producing competent social workers

ABSTRACT The University of Science Malaysia (USM) has developed a social work program for in the Social Welfare Department officers since 1975 to produce practically competent social workers. Courses offered at public universities should include relevant knowledge, skills, and field experiences to ensure that students can effectively communicate and resolve clients’ issues. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) listed 10 standards of social work education, namely the profession, ethics, diversity, social justice, populations at risk, human behaviors, social welfare, practices with individuals, groups and communities, research and skill development. The study aims to evaluate effective social work programs by analyzing the obstacles encountered by public university students in Malaysia to fulfill CSWE standards. A total of 279 final-year students from six public universities pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in social work participated, with questionnaires analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 23.0. Results indicated effective social work education, with students encountering moderate barriers. Students demonstrated competence aligned with the Social Work Act, which was crucial for addressing psycho-social and socio-economic issues in Malaysian communities. This study also highlighted the importance of producing skilled social workers to enhance societal well-being, assisting individuals, families, and communities in resolving various challenges.

Burnout level evaluation of undergraduate dental college students at middle eastern university

BackgroundPressure faced by dental students from academic activities, clinical skills training, and patient care may lead to high stress and potential burnout, negatively impacting their well-being and patient safety.AimThe study aimed to explore the burnout level of dental students at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia and to identify the factors that are associated with the level of burnout.MethodsThe descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Dental College, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, from January to February 2024. The study was conducted to evaluate burnout levels among first to final-year undergraduate dental students enrolled at Qassim University using a pre-validated questionnaire; Burnout Clinical Subtype Questionnaire, via Google Forms. Analysis was performed with IBM SPSS-24, utilizing descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests, Mann-Whitney-U and Kruskal-Wallis. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to predict Burnout from demographic and academic factors.Results151 participants responded to the survey, with 49.7% male and 50.3% female. Results showed that burnout scores increased significantly (p < 0.05) with age and decreased family support. Males had lower burnout levels in comparison to their counterparts. The survey had three domains: Overload, Neglect, and Development, with ‘Overload’ having the highest mean score of 17.79 and a median score of 17.00. Age showed significant difference (p < .05) in the burnout scores amongst the groups across all three domains. 70.9% of the participants agreed that they invested an unhealthy amount of time towards their studies. The multiple regression model statistically significantly predicted Burnout, F (21, 129) = 2.190, p = .004, adj. R2 = 0.143. Gender was significant predictor, with female students reporting lower burnout scores compared to males (B=-5.633, p = .012). Family support also emerged as significant, with students reporting merely good family support showing higher burnout scores compared to those reporting very good family support (B = 6.147, p = .009).ConclusionFactors like age, family support and gender were found to have a significant with burnout levels and its domains. The study highlighted overload as the main contributing the most towards burnout in dental students of Qassim University, emphasizing the importance of tailored interventions to promote student well-being.

Relationship between Proactive Personality, Perceived Social Support, and Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy among Final-Year Students in Public Universities of Selangor

Relationship between Proactive Personality, Perceived Social Support, and Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy among Final-Year Students in Public Universities of Selangor

An evaluation of practice supervisor training for final-year healthcare students.

Practice supervisors are fundamental in the development and upskilling of the future workforce in health care. This article outlines a new initiative for one higher education institution, which integrated practice supervisor training into the curriculum for third-year students across several healthcare programmes. The training consisted of two pre-recorded sessions, which were delivered by the students' personal tutors. A final face-to-face session was then facilitated, where students were supported to consolidate their learning and build on their knowledge. Evaluation data were collected via an anonymous questionnaire. In total, 352 questionnaires were returned. Data were managed and analysed using descriptive statistics within Excel. The qualitative comments received were collated and analysed using simple thematic framework analysis. Most attendees found the content and the delivery of the programme and their opportunity for discussions to be good, very good or excellent, showing overall that content was positively evaluated by 98.4% of attendees, delivery at 97.4% and opportunity for discussion at 97.9%. The evaluation data results show that practice supervisor preparation can be effectively delivered when located in the final year for undergraduate healthcare students. The importance of the content being interactive and allowing for plenty of opportunities for group discussions has been highlighted by the feedback.

Development of a Theoretical Continuous Glucose Monitoring Module for Pharmacy Students: Preparing Pharmacists for the Future.

To enhance the digital competencies of pharmacy students, the Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy at Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf developed and evaluated a theoretical module on digital health and data analysis. This innovative module integrated a continuous glucose-monitoring (CGM) wearable device into teaching, providing students with in-depth practical experience and a 2.5 h seminar on digital health and CGM systems. Students' knowledge of CGM and self-assessment of their CGM competencies were assessed in a pre-post manner. Additionally, students' satisfaction with the module and their perceptions of the future integration of digital health training and the role of wearables in pharmacy practice were also assessed after the module. A total of 39 final-year pharmacy students completed the module conducted in June 2024 as part of the clinical pharmacy seminar. In total, 32 students completed the pre- and post-knowledge tests and self-assessment questionnaires. Both the knowledge and the students' self-assessment of CGM-related skills after the module increased significantly (p < 0.05). Students expanded their knowledge regarding digital health solutions, in particular the CGM systems, and increased their self-reported competence in CGM-related skills. With this module, an important foundation was laid, as this is the first theoretical module including the essentials of CGM digital health tools for pharmacy students in Germany.

Exploring How Education Can Leverage Artificial Intelligence for Social Good

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming society and industries, presenting both opportunities and ethical challenges. AI enables machines to perform tasks traditionally done by humans, such as natural language processing, pattern recognition, decision-making, and problem-solving (Brookings, 2023). In education, AI enhances teaching methodologies, student assessment, and administrative tasks through tools like intelligent tutoring systems, adaptive learning platforms, and educational chatbots. These tools offer customised learning experiences, immediate feedback, and data-driven insights. This research aims to investigate how AI can be leveraged within education to promote social good by identifying how familiar educators and students are with AI tools, identify how educators and students perceive the role of AI in education and what are the current applications of AI technologies in educational settings and how widely are they used. Finally, discuss the opportunities and ethical considerations of integrating AI in education. AI technologies can address critical social challenges such as inequality, accessibility, and personalised learning. According to Luckin et al. (2016), "AI can provide tailored educational experiences that adapt to individual learning needs, thus promoting equity in education." This exploratory research begins with an overview of AI's role and tools in education, followed by a discussion of the challenges, opportunities, and ethical considerations associated with AI integration. Understandings are drawn from educator’s response to a questionnaire and a focus group with first year and final-year third level students. This qualitative data, analysed using NVivo software, reveals key themes and significant findings on effectively utilising AI in education.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ACADEMIC BURNOUT AND SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS AT UNIVERSITAS NEGERI PADANG IN WRITING UNDERGRADUATE THESES

When college students experience burnout, depression, and other negative emotions, they tend to be very active in social media to mask and escape the pain from their personal issues while seeking a sense of achievement and self-worth. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between academic burnout and social media addiction among undergraduate students working on their final projects at Universitas Negeri Padang. The methodology used is a quantitative approach with a survey method. A total of 102 final-year students from 9 faculties at Universitas Negeri Padang participated in this study. Data collection utilized two measurement tools: Skala Pengukuran Burnout Mahasiswa Dalam Penyelesaian Skripsi and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), which were adapted and tested according to the research objectives. Hypothesis testing was conducted using SPSS 26.0. According to Spearman's rho analysis, a correlation coefficient of 0.381 was obtained, and the Sig. (2-tailed) value was 0.000 (ρ&lt;0.05), indicating a positive correlation between the two variables among participants.

Perceptions and influencing factors of interprofessional collaboration in final-year health science students

ABSTRACT Interprofessional education (IPE) is vital for preparing a competent health workforce. Despite the proven benefits of interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP), barriers to its implementation persist. Given the importance of health professionals’ perspectives for IPCP success, we investigated the perceptions of IPCP among final-year health science students at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, while they transition into practice. A cross-sectional online survey conducted from February to April 2023 included 989 students across six health science disciplines, with a response rate of 57.8%. Using the SPICE-R2 questionnaire on a five-point Likert-type scale, we assessed perceptions related to interprofessional teamwork, roles and responsibilities, and patient outcomes. Results showed significant diversity in IPCP perceptions and experiences with IPE. Nursing students consistently demonstrated the highest IPCP perceptions, while medical and public health students scored the lowest. Positive perceptions about IPCP were notably associated with nursing students and those satisfied with the learning process. Dentistry students and those with IPE experience also exhibited more favorable views on teamwork. This study suggests the need to address disparities in IPCP perceptions among student groups, which is essential for enhancing interprofessional collaboration in future health professionals.

Do social cognitive factors influence final-year undergraduate students’ intentions to pursue advanced degrees? An examination of the moderating effect of sex

This study explores the factors influencing final-year undergraduate students’ intentions to pursue advanced degrees through the lens of social cognitive theory (SCT). In addition, it investigates the moderating effect of sex on the causal pathways in the proposed model. Using a quantitative cross-sectional survey design, 578 final-year undergraduate students from various degree programs participated in an online survey. The results revealed that outcome expectations and social support are significant predictors of intention, while intention itself predicts the implementation of intentions to pursue an advanced degree. However, self-efficacy was not found to influence intention, and sex did not moderate the hypothesized paths in the model. These findings suggest that SCT provides a useful and robust framework for understanding the factors shaping undergraduate students’ intentions to pursue advanced degrees, as evidenced by the high explanatory power of the structural model. The study also offers practical and theoretical implications, along with suggestions for future research.

Predictors Affecting the Attitude Towards Homosexuality Among Health Sciences University Students in East Coast Malaysia

Introduction As a minority group homosexuality poses the risk of various mental illnesses and medical comorbidities. In Malaysia, homosexuality is prohibited according to culture, law, and religion. Thus, this group is reluctant to seek help due to the negative attitude of certain healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals’ negative attitudes towards this group may negatively impact patient care quality. This study aimed to identify predictors of health sciences students’ attitudes toward homosexuality. Materials and methods An online cross-sectional study was conducted among 307 undergraduate clinical students at a university on the east coast of Malaysia from December 2020 to February 2021. The instruments consisted of the Homosexual Attitude Scale Malay Version (HASMV), Self-Reflection and Insight Scale (SRIS), and Duke University Religion Index (DUREL). Results The mean (SD) age of participants was 22.91 (0.78) years old. The majority are female, Malay, and Muslim. Mean (SD) scores of attitudes towards homosexuality among health sciences students were 61.53 (17.06). Non-Muslims, final-year students, and those with higher self-reflection scores in central and southern Peninsular Malaysia displayed a more positive attitude towards homosexuality, as did students with a history of contact with homosexuals. Students with higher intrinsic religiosity scores were shown to be more negative towards homosexuality. Conclusion The attitude towards homosexuality of Malaysian future health practitioners leaned mostly towards the positive attitude towards homosexuality. These findings shall aid the relevant authorities in revising the curriculum to raise awareness about homosexual health, as well as arranging training programs. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 23 No. 04 October’24 Page : 1120-1128

Introduction of an Online Mentoring Program for Final Professional MBBS Students

Background: Mentoring helps in the personal and professional development of mentees and helps them develop self-confidence in their work. Final-year undergraduate medical students face many challenges but they also have to gain the confidence to start working independently and plan their careers in the near future. In the coronavirus disease scenario, many of these challenges were amplified, and final-year students were in greater need of mentoring. Even though mentoring had been introduced under the new curriculum in 2019, formal online mentoring programs were nonexistent in most Indian medical colleges. Therefore, it was aimed to implement and evaluate an online mentoring program for final-year undergraduate medical students. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted with 16 mentees allotted to the principal researcher. A needs assessment survey was conducted before finalizing the program. A mentoring module was designed, and subsequently, five rounds of individual mentoring sessions were conducted on “Google Meets.” Feedback was obtained from the mentees and analyzed. Results: Most mentees (93.8%) agreed that an online mentoring program should be introduced. The mentees were satisfied with the online mentoring program (5-point Likert Scale; median = 4) and felt that they had received motivation and gained confidence to overcome challenges. The majority of the respondents (80%) felt supported during mentoring, whereas 86.67% agreed that they were able to harness their positive attributes and started working toward their goals. Conclusions: The online mentorship program was successful in improving the confidence of the medical students in dealing with academic and nonacademic issues.

Insights Into Antimicrobial Resistance From Dental Students in the Asia–Pacific Region

BackgroundDentists, as prominent prescribers, are key stakeholders in addressing the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis. Dental students’ perceptions about the topic have been underexplored in the Asia–Pacific region, a key location for the development and spread of AMR. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the awareness and confidence to prescribe antimicrobials amongst dental students studying in the region. MethodsStudents from 15 dental schools in 4 countries were invited to participate in a cross-sectional online survey during 2022–2023. A previously validated and standardised 14-item instrument was utilised. ResultsIn all, 1413 responses were collected from Australia (n = 165), Sri Lanka (n = 112), Japan (n = 173), and Vietnam (n = 963). Of those, 201 were from final-year students (14.2%). On a scale from 1 to 10, awareness on AMR was placed at a mean (SEM) priority of 8.09 (0.05). With regards to target areas to address for mitigation of the AMR crisis, participants placed general public awareness at the top (mean [SEM] 8.53 [0.05]). Final-year students presented a mean (SEM) level of confidence to prescribe antibiotics of 6.01 (0.14) on a scale from 1 to 10, whilst 59.7% and 56.8% indicated feeling pressured to prescribe by patients or when lacking time, respectively. Final-year students participating in research activities assigned a higher priority to AMR compared to their peers not involved in research (mean [SEM] 8.6 [0.19] vs 7.81 [0.16]; P = .01). ConclusionsThis study highlights a need for increased awareness and confidence to prescribe amongst dental students in the Asia–Pacific region, an understudied population thus far. To mitigate this issue, the implementation (followed by assessment) of local educational and antibiotic stewardship initiatives is warranted.

Environmental Factors, Undergraduate Science Education Students’ Achievement, and Interest in Nigeria Universities: Implications for Funding

This study investigated the effects of environmental factors on the academic performance and interest of undergraduate scientific education students in Nigerian universities, as well as the funding implications. A descriptive survey research design was used in the study. The study included 270 final-year undergraduate students from the Department of Science Education at two Nigerian universities: Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Both universities are located in the sixth state of Anambra. The study used a sample of 161 students, 56 of whom were male and 105 of whom were female, that was drawn by chance sampling methods. Three experts verified the questionnaire, which was used as the data gathering tool. Using the Cronbach Alpha formula, the dependability of 0.90 was determined. The hypothesis was examined using t-test statistics at the 0.05 level of significance, and the research topic was addressed using mean and standard deviation. The study's conclusions showed that, while gender had no discernible impact on how science education students responded to the aforementioned environmental factors, socioeconomic background, good school infrastructure, extracurricular activities, class size, accommodations, attitudes of teachers and parents, appropriate teaching methods, and poor lighting in school buildings and hostels could all affect students' interest and achievement in science education at universities. Further strategies for enhancing the environmental elements that affect academic achievement and interest of science education students in universities include the government's and alumni's funding of science labs and infrastructure, fostering university competition, using appropriate teaching methods, and properly citing of schools.

Exploring mental health through the eyes of physiotherapy students: Revealing knowledge and attitudes towards mental health roles

The social stigma associated with mental illness leads to a reluctance to seek help and can negatively impact the therapeutic connections between individuals with mental illness and healthcare practitioners. With the rising prevalence of mental health illness, physiotherapy students will encounter a growing number of these patients during their undergraduate education. A cross-sectional online survey was done on undergraduate physiotherapy students using the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule and Mental Illness Clinicians' Attitudes scores. All participants demonstrated moderate knowledge and a favorable attitude toward mental health. Final-year students had more awareness and a better attitude towards mental health than the other students. Physiotherapy undergraduates with clinical experience tend to see psychiatry and individuals with mental illness more positively.

Prevalence of Salmonellosis among Undergraduate Students in Owerri Metropolis, Nigeria

Due to the rigorous nature of tertiary education, some students struggle to maintain good hygiene and healthy eating habits, predisposing them to infectious diseases. This study assessed the presence and prevalence of Salmonella infection among undergraduate students in Owerri Metropolis. Stool samples were collected from 97 students (24 males and 73 females) and cultured on Salmonella and Shigella agar. Out of the 97 students tested, 18(18.55%) tested positive, with the highest 10(55.56%) intensive prevalence coming from Salmonella typhimurium, followed by Salmonella paratyphi 7(38.89%) and Salmonella typhi 1(5.55%). The final-year students showed the highest number of Salmonella infections. The result also revealed the highest infection rate of 9(50.00%) among students aged 18-20 years in their first year of study, while the older students recorded a low infection rate of 1(5.56%). It is, therefore, very important that awareness of good hygiene and preventive measures for salmonellosis and other similar infections are intensified.

Patients’ reasons for consulting a general practitioner at the time of having dental problems: a qualitative study

IntroductionMany patients consult general practitioners instead of dentists for their oral and dental problems every year. This study aims to find the reasons why patients consult general practitioners when they have dental problems.MethodsThe sample consisted of patients visiting dentists and general practitioners in Kerman, Iran. A thematic interview guide, semi-structured questions, and a mind map that allowed for structured and open-ended questions were prepared and used for the interviews. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim by a final-year student. Data collection, transcription, and analysis were conducted simultaneously to allow for new topics to be raised and theoretical saturation to be reached. When researchers determined that sufficient information was available for analysis and understanding of patient opinions and beliefs, the interview process was stopped. As all audio conversations were recorded with the participant’s permission, no note-taking was done during the interviews, which allowed for greater focus on the participants’ conversation. The obtained data was analyzed using the content analysis.ResultsA total of 52 patients were included in this study. The codes related to patients participating in this research, along with the number of respondent groups related to each code were as follows: patient’s perceptions of general practitioner(GP) and dental practitioner’s scope of work [21], flawed dental system (34), dental anxiety [28], financial considerations [25], and more accessibility to GPs (31). Dental abscesses and dental pain were reported as the most common reasons for consulting GPs.ConclusionMost participants agreed that dental problems are more effectively treated by dentists. Reasons for visiting a general practitioner included lack of a specific dentist, dissatisfaction with dental treatments, lack of a dentist nearby, absence of emergency dental care, and familiarity with a physician. The most common reasons for visits were toothache and dental abscesses. Patients also sought treatment for TMJ pain, referred nerve pain, wisdom tooth pain, numbness and tingling in the jaw, gum inflammation, oral lesions, and ulcers. Furthermore, other factors such as opening hours, appointment systems and waiting time can also affect patient’s consult behaviors regarding dental problems.

Stigmatising Attitudes Towards Mental Health Conditions Among Medical Students In Five South-Eastern European Countries.

Stigmatising attitudes towards mentally ill people are present among healthcare professionals. The aim of the study was to evaluate medical students' attitudes in five medical schools from Albania, Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania and Serbia and to determine if psychiatry clerkship improves these attitudes. In the first stage, the study included students from the first and final years of medical school; in the second stage, only final-year students were included; The Mental Illness Clinicians' Attitude Scale (MICA-2) and the Attribution Questionnaire (AQ-9) were used in this study. The total sample comprised 1,526 medical students in the first stage and 614 in the second stage. The analysis of the average AQ-9 and MICA-2 scores between countries revealed significant differences (p<0.05). Multivariable analysis showed that female students were 30% more likely to have elevated AQ-9 scores than male students (p=0.029). Final-year students had a significantly lower chance of having a higher MICA-2 score compared to first-year students (OR=0.7; p<0.05). Psychiatry clerkship contributes to a decrease in the level of stigmatising attitudes among medical students. Further research is required to assess the curricula to achieve better results in reducing stigma among future doctors.