Medical College Students Research Articles

The effect of topical medications on olfactory function: Barrier therapy

Introduction. Sensory organs help humans exist in the surrounding world, but the evaluation of olfaction remained “in the shadows” practically until the COVID-19 pandemic, although many questions are still insufficiently studied, such as the effect of intranasal medications on olfactory function.Aim. To assess the olfactory function in healthy volunteers before and after a course of using an ectoine nasal solution.Materials and methods. Under our observation were healthy volunteers (medical university students and healthcare workers aged 16 to 35 years) who, in addition to routine ENT examinations, underwent an assessment of their olfactory status using a professional set of odorants for olfactometry and subjectively using a self-assessment scale for olfaction before and after a course of ectoine nasal solution, as well as a self-assessment of its preventive effect. The collected data were recorded in Excel spreadsheets (Microsoft Office 365) for further statistical analysis.Results and discussion. The results showed an average increase of 1 point in the self-assessment of olfaction in the observation group, as well as an increase in the number of “correct” responses when using the set of odorants. However, discrepancies were noted between self-assessment and the objective evaluation of olfaction. The extent of the preventive effect (based on the self-assessment by participants using a 10-point visual analog scale) was rated at 5 points.Conclusions. 1. A one-month course of barrier therapy (ectoine nasal solution) does not cause any impairment in olfactory function, as evidenced by olfactometric testing (an average increase of 10% in correct responses across the group, with 80% of participants showing improvement) and olfaction self-assessment (an average increase of 1 point across the group, with 55% of participants showing improvement). 2. Self-assessment of olfaction cannot be considered a reliable measure of the actual olfactory function. 3. The use of barrier therapy (ectoine nasal solution) has a moderate preventive effect (5 points).

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of the Lebanese University Medical Students and Junior Doctors on Basic Life Support Practices

Background: Basic life support (BLS) is the recognition of sudden cardiac arrest and activation of emergency response system, followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and rapid defibrillation. Aim: Our study aimed to determine the level of awareness of the Lebanese University medical students and trainees on BLS, by assessing the association between knowledge, attitude, and practice on BLS, and between the demographic variables and KAP scores. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including 330 medical students enrolled at Lebanese University, from year four of general medicine till year five of residency. An online survey was used to collect data about demographic characteristics, knowledge (K), attitudes (A), and practice (P) about BLS. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: Participants were 52.7% females, 47.3% males, and their mean age was 24 ± 2 years. Of the 330 participants, 38.8% received formal training regarding BLS. Medical students had low knowledge (90%), moderate to good attitudes (71.5%), and low practice (93%) regarding BLS. Multiple linear regression showed that knowledge was positively associated with age (p = 0.001), knowledge and information regarding BLS (p = 0.016), and any formal training/workshop regarding BLS (p = 0.021). Attitude was positively associated with academic year (p = 0.002) and knowledge (p = 0.003). Practice was positively associated with age (p < 0.001) and knowledge (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Most Lebanese University medical students showed low knowledge, moderate to good attitudes, and low practice regarding BLS. We recommend that CPR/BLS should be a core competency across all health care professional programs.

The chain mediation effects of self-confidence and positive coping style on academic satisfaction and professional identity among Chinese medical students

Due to the importance of medical students in the buildup of the health system and the influence of professional identity in their study, the aim of the study is to focus on the impact of academic satisfaction and professional identity on Chinese medical students during their career transformation, taking into consideration other factors that play a role in this relationship. 735 junior and senior medical university students from two training hospital were surveyed by using a cluster sampling method. The questionnaire included academic satisfaction scale, career transition psychological scale, simple coping style questionnaire and professional identity questionnaire. Pearson correlation and process plug-in model 6 were used for chain mediation analysis. The results show that in the career transition period, there is a direct relationship between academic satisfaction and career identity, and a chain intermediary relationship between academic satisfaction and self-confidence and coping style. In addition to our findings, we also assert that academic satisfaction has a direct impact on self-confidence and positive coping style in the transition period, and is a predictor of professional identity, whether directly or through the chain intermediary of self-confidence and coping style in the transition period. The results showed that academic satisfaction was sequentially associated with increased self-confidence, and then increased positive coping styles, which resulted in higher professional identity among medical students.

Chinese translation and validation of the Personalized Psychological Flexibility Index (PPFI) for medical college students

BackgroundPsychological flexibility (PF) is defined as the ability to pursue valuable life goals despite the existence of distress. The Personalized Psychological Flexibility Index (PPFI) is a new measure of psychological flexibility that can address existing deficiencies. This study aimed to translate and validate the psychometric characteristics of the Chinese version of the PPFI among medical college students.MethodsThe study was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 involved the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the PPFI according to guidelines recommended by the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). Phase 2 was a cross-sectional survey conducted on 945 medical college students in China. The psychometric performances of the scale were assessed using construct validity, divergent validity, criterion validity, incremental validity, internal consistency, and test-rest reliability.ResultsThe exploratory factor analysis (EFA, n1 = 440) showed that the Chinese version of the PPFI consisted of 3 factors, with a total of 15 items. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA, n2 = 440) showed that the three-factor structure fit well (χ2/df\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$df$$\\end{document}=2.469, SRMR = 0.051, RMSEA = 0.058, GFI = 0.94, CFI = 0.985). The total Chinese PPFI score had a moderate positive association with the Comprehensive Assessment of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (CompACT, r = 0.344) and a negative association with the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II, r = -0.334). Furthermore, the Chinese PPFI demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.826) and test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.817, p < 0.001).ConclusionThe 15-item Chinese version of the PPFI is a reliable and valid tool for measuring PF in Chinese medical students. However, additional studies are needed to validate its psychometric properties in more generalizable samples and other contexts.

Comparative Analysis of Self-Medication Practices with Antibiotics Among Non-Medical and Medical College Students in India

Background: Self-medication is prevalent globally, making the processes easier but raising potential hazards like antibiotic resistance. College students, influenced by social media, exhibit alarming self-medication behaviours. This cross-sectional study surveyed undergraduate students across medical, nursing, and non-health science institutions to assess the self-medication habits, knowledge and attitude of students. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted across various educational institutions from August 2023 to February 2024, targeting undergraduate students aged 18 and over. Using a pre-validated questionnaire, data on socio-demography, self-medication with antibiotics, and related knowledge were collected via Google Forms. The sample size was doubled to 1175 for better statistical power. Data analysis was performed using standard statistical tools. Results: Analysis of data demonstrated that a substantive proportion of students self-medicate with antibiotics. For medical students, convenience was the biggest issue and for non-medical students, it was cost-saving coupled with distrust in doctors. The most common complaint received for self-medication was throat pain. Medical students used textbooks for necessary information whereas non-medical students went to local shops for advice. Patterns differed somewhat in comparison with international studies, indicating regional differences. Strikingly, medical students predominantly relied on academic knowledge and previous experiences while using antibiotics, whereas non-medical students often obtained antibiotics from shops or the internet, making them vulnerable to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Conclusion: This highlights the importance of implementing specific interventions to reduce unsafe self-medication practices in students.

Prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among medical students in AL-Iraqia College of Medicine, correlation with socioeconomic and physiological conditions

Prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among medical students in AL-Iraqia College of Medicine, correlation with socioeconomic and physiological conditions

Development and reliability and validity testing of a medication literacy scale for medical college students

BackgroundIrrational drug use has become a global problem threatening human health. As future health professionals, medical college students’ medication literacy (ML) is critical. Their mastery of medication-related knowledge will directly affect public medication safety in the future.MethodsThe initial scale was developed through a literature review and was modified through expert consultation and student interviews to form the initial scale with 14 items. In 2020, a questionnaire survey was conducted among students in a medical college for item analysis, reliability test, validity test and other analyses.ResultsThe total Cronbach’s α coefficient was 0.826 and split-half reliability was 0.852. The Cronbach’s α coefficients for functional medication literacy, communicative medication literacy, and critical medication literacy were 0.901, 0.858, and 0.851, respectively. The item-level content validity index (I-CVI) ranged from 0.833 to 1.000 (≥ 0.78). Factor analysis of 14 items showed that KMO = 0. 852(> 0.7) and Bartlett’s spherical test p < 0.001, indicating that the data are very suitable for factor analysis. Three principal axis factors were extracted by principal component analysis, and the total variance interpretation rate was 69.031% (> 40%). The confirmatory factor analysis identified a three-factor model and showed goodness of fit indices for the scale: The χ²/df = 2.623, The Goodness of Fit Index (GFI) = 0.905, The Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.950, Normed Fit Index (NFI) = 0.922, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.938, and The Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.078.ConclusionA new scale for evaluating the medication literacy of Chinese medical college students was preliminarily developed, demonstrating good reliability and validity. Itcan be used as a preliminary measurement tool for assessing medical students’ medication literacy. However, due to the limitations of this study, the practical application of the scale needs to be further examined in a larger sample and should be refined in future studies.

Reasons Pertaining to Substance Abuse among Undergraduates in Chennai

BACKGROUND: Substance abuse and dependence among undergraduates in India are very concerning as they are next in line to contribute to the social and economic needs of the country. The alarming increase in substance use also contributes to various physical and mental illnesses. OBJECTIVES: This research aims to identify the root cause and initial indulgence in substance consumption to prevent the increase of usage and loss of human potential to enhance the quality of society in the upcoming years. METHODS: An observational study with a cross-sectional design was done among 174 participants. This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was done among undergraduates aged between 19-22 in Medical, Dental, Engineering, and Arts and Science College students studying in Chennai. A Drug and Alcohol (DAP) questionnaire for screening of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis along with a Semi-Structured Performa about socio-demographic factors was used to collect the data. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version-21, Chi-Square Test descriptive for finding out the outcome variable. RESULT: About 62.7% tried alcohol/smoking for the first time because they were ‘curious’ followed by 29.4% stating that it was due to ‘emotional disturbances’, 23.5% due to ‘having free time’, 19.6% because they were ‘stressed’,17.6% due to ‘college’ as the three most chosen reasons. Among 45 participants who were consuming substances, 32.4% felt neglected at home. Of the remaining 133 who did not consume any substances when asked the reason for their non-consumption, 28.7% were ‘not interested', 15.7% said it was due to ‘self-control’ and 5.6% said ‘both’. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that ‘curiosity’ was the reason for the initial consumption of the substance but the reason for the continuation of the habit is because of emotional disturbances, stress, or feeling neglected at home and by society. Prevention and treatment of substance abuse and dependence should consider these factors. This can help lay better intervention and relapse strategies for the upcoming generation.

Unravelling the sleep crisis: insomnia among medical students in government and private medical college students in Mysuru district

Background: Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, significantly impacts medical students due to the high levels of stress and demanding academic schedules. The educational environment of medical students, marked by intense competition and high expectations, often contributes to chronic stress, a known precursor to sleep disturbances. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of insomnia among medical students in government and private medical colleges and assess the factors contributing to insomnia in these groups. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted among 490 medical students from government and private medical colleges over three months (April to June 2024). Systematic sampling was used to select participants, and data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire, including sociodemographic information and the Athens insomnia scale. Data were analysed using SPSS Version 26.0, with chi-square tests for qualitative data and Mann-Whitney U tests for insomnia comparisons. Results: The study revealed a significantly higher prevalence of insomnia in private medical college students (40.8%) compared to government college students (11.8%). Significant associations were found between insomnia and insufficient sleep, stress, and depression in both groups. Additionally, the use of mobile devices at night and irregular sleep patterns during exams were linked to higher insomnia rates. The median insomnia score was higher in private medical college students compared to government college students, indicating a statistically significant difference (p value &lt;0.05). Conclusions: Targeted interventions to improve sleep quality and mental health support are crucial for this population. Regular assessments and feedback mechanisms should be implemented to enhance the effectiveness of these interventions.

Assessing AI literacy and attitudes among medical students: implications for integration into healthcare practice

PurposeThis study aims to assess AI literacy and attitudes among medical students and explore their implications for integrating AI into healthcare practice.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research design was employed to comprehensively evaluate AI literacy and attitudes among 374 Lusaka Apex Medical University medical students. Data were collected from April 3, 2024, to April 30, 2024, using a closed-ended questionnaire. The questionnaire covered various aspects of AI literacy, perceived benefits of AI in healthcare, strategies for staying informed about AI, relevant AI applications for future practice, concerns related to AI algorithm training and AI-based chatbots in healthcare.FindingsThe study revealed varying levels of AI literacy among medical students with a basic understanding of AI principles. Perceptions regarding AI’s role in healthcare varied, with recognition of key benefits such as improved diagnosis accuracy and enhanced treatment planning. Students relied predominantly on online resources to stay informed about AI. Concerns included bias reinforcement, data privacy and over-reliance on technology.Originality/valueThis study contributes original insights into medical students' AI literacy and attitudes, highlighting the need for targeted educational interventions and ethical considerations in AI integration within medical education and practice.

The state of psychological and immunological indicators in graduate students of a medical university

Training future doctors for professional practice usually entails building awareness and embracing the significant responsibility inherent in the field. This, in turn, leads to significant psycho-emotional stress by the time of graduation from academic institution. With the aim of identifying the correlation between homeostatic system indicators, a comparative analysis was conducted to characterize the immunological and psychological parameters of final-year medical university students, contingent upon their respective training programs. The study involved sixth-year students of the Therapeutic and Preventive Faculty [TPF] (29 individuals) and the Military Training Center [MTC] (34 individuals) of Rostov State Medical University, a Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education. The exclusion criteria for all participants included the presence of chronic diseases and any infectious process of any origin within three months prior to the study. The groups were similar in terms of age (23.8±1.82 and 23.9±2.2 years, respectively), gender (all male), and corresponded to health group I. Psychological evaluation was conducted employing the Spielberger–Hanin Scale to gauge levels of personal and situational anxiety. The assessment of immunological status was carried out at the Scientific Research Institute of Clinical Immunology using standard methodological approaches. Registration cards for immunopathology analysis were used to characterize health status over the year. Analysis of the obtained data from psychological questionnaires revealed that students of the Therapeutic and Preventive Faculty, compared to their counterparts from the Military Training Center, demonstrated a higher degree of situational and, particularly, personal anxiety. Differences in the immune response system between the compared groups were identified with regards to indicators that characterize both adaptive and innate immunity. These differences were expressed in a more significant number of circulating regulatory T lymphocytes, a less pronounced lytic potential of effector cells, a greater number of TLR9+ monocytes with a decrease in the proportion of cells of the monocyte series carrying HLA-DR in medical students compared to their counterparts studying in the medical service officers’ program. Thus, the period of psychological preparation in a medical university for the commencement of professional activity varies based on the characteristics of the educational process and proves to be more effective for sixth-year students of MTC. Students from the TPF exhibit more pronounced psycho-emotional stress compared to their counterparts in military medical training, leading to evident signs of immune system dysregulation. It is imperative to develop strategies for timely detection of changes in both psychological and immunological adaptive capacities.

Comparison of chronotype and learning motivation in medical university students

BackgroundPeople differ in their preferred time for intellectual activities. Morningness-eveningness preferences describe the preferred time for performing daily activities and are determined by chronotype. Chronotype reflects circadian preference in humans and is divided into morning, intermediate, and evening types. Learning motivation is a key predictor of student success and may influence learning and study, academic performance, intention to continue medical research, and well-being. Helping students develop learning motivation may improve their educational achievement and health. There are opposing studies regarding chronotype and academic achievement. We hypothesized that chronotype affects the learning motivation of medical school students.MethodsWe used the reduced Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ), and the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) for Russian, Polish, Japanese, and Australian students in the first and second years of medical university. A total of 540 medical students answered the questionnaires. The MSLQ contains six subscales: intrinsic goal orientation, extrinsic goal orientation, self-efficacy for learning and performance, control of learning beliefs, task value, and test anxiety.ResultsThe rMEQ was used to classify the students into three types, which were morning (26.7%), intermediate (60.5%), or evening chronotypes (12.7%) based on their scores. The learning motivation scores for the intrinsic and extrinsic goal orientations, task value, and self-efficacy were lower in evening chronotypes.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the evening chronotype had a lower learning motivation than the morning chronotype. Evening-oriented students may need a more flexible schedule, and a shift of the most important courses in the university to the afternoon may help them to attain higher motivation for learning medicine.

Clinical manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease in medical university students

Clinical manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease in medical university students

Analysis of the impact of pre-professional education on the health of medical students

BACKGROUND: Education in a higher educational institution is critical for students due to the vulnerability of the young body and the exposure of young men and women to the impact of adverse factors that contribute to health disorders. The solution to the problem of the observed deterioration of the health of students of medical higher educational institutions is currently very acute, since this problem is directly related to the health of future health workers and determines the future of the country. AIM: To assess the health status of students of the Institute of Clinical Medicine named after N.V. Sklifosovsky of Sechenov University on the example of graduates of the Resource Center «Medical Sechenov Pre-University» of the Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University) in a comparative aspect with graduates of other educational institutions. METHODS: A single-stage selective comparative study of the morbidity rate of students of the N.V. Sklifosovsky Institute of Clinical Medicine of Sechenov University was carried out. The data of the registration form «No 025/у» 1–6-year students for the period from 2018 to 2024 (n=2229, including 414 graduates of the Pre-University) were used. Data analysis was performed using Pearson's χ2 test with Yates correction. The significance level was set as p 0.05. Numerical data are presented with absolute and relative values. RESULTS: It was shown that the number of students assigned to the first and second health groups among Pre-University graduates was higher overall, and the number of those assigned to the third health group was lower compared to their peers who were not Pre-University graduates (p 0.01). An increase in the overall morbidity of students by the sixth year was noted, but to a lesser extent among Pre-University graduates (p 0.001). All students have more frequent eye and apparatus diseases. The second and third places were occupied by diseases of the nervous system and diseases of the respiratory organs. Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue were less common. CONCLUSION: The lower morbidity rate among the graduates of the Pre-University is presumably due to the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and rejection of harmful habits during the pre-professional education phase. The data obtained show the need to strengthen work on the identification and prevention of factors of educational environment, reducing the effectiveness of medical and educational measures for the formation of health status of students at the stage of pre-specific education.

Linguistic discourse analysis of lexico-grammatical features of moves in the research abstracts of medical students in a Ghanaian university

Writing a quality research abstract is crucial for a scholarly report. An abstract should be information and lexically dense, formal, and have a professional tone. This requires precision, objectivity, logicality, technicality, and comprehensiveness. However, writing a good-quality research abstract is a hurdle for novice and inexperienced undergraduate students who study English as a Second Language (ESL), that is English language learners worldwide. This article interrogates the research abstracts written by undergraduate medical students who also studied English Language at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho, Ghana. A qualitative-quantitative approach, guided by Hyland’s (2000, 2004) five-move model, was used to analyze the lexico-grammatical features in the rhetorical moves of the research abstracts written by these students. A corpus of 23 extracts representing a quota of sample tenses, hedges, boosters, and nominalization were analyzed. The data were coded manually and presented as frequency counts and percentages in tables and graphically. The results revealed that rhetorical moves in the research abstracts written by undergraduate medical students of UHAS in Ho, Ghana were replete with simple past, simple present, and perfect tenses, and lexico-grammatical devices such as hedges, boosters, and nominalization to a greater or lesser extent. The study concludes that the research abstracts written by undergraduate medical students of UHAS follow Hyland’s (2002, 2004) five rhetorical move model, and are constituted by specific lexico-grammatical features. The pedagogical implications are discussed, and suggestions for future research are provided.

Suicidal Ideation, Psychological Distress and Depression in Medical Students of Pakistan: Surviving or Thriving

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Background&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: In recent years, psychological stress has lead to increase in suicide cases readily among medical students of many countries. This study aims determine the prevalence of psychological stress, major depressive disorder, and suicidal ideation in Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students of a government setup medical university in Pakistan. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Methods&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: The data was gathered using a valid questionnaire containing 10 items Kessler psychological distress scale. The scale consists of the severity of the psychological distress from well, mild, moderate, and severe. Physical health questionnaire 2(PHQ2) was used for identifying the students with major depressive illness. Suicidal ideation was assessed using item no. 9 from PHQ9 questionnaire. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Results&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: The overall prevalence of suicidal ideation, distress and major depression among 353 students of MBBS was 22.9%, 63.1%, 27.8% respectively. The students with major depression and moderate/severe distress are more probable to think about suicide. Moreover, Students who choose medicine under the family influence are more likely to have suicidal ideation. Besides this, we found that particularly females experience higher psychological distress as compared to males. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Conclusion&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: In the overall study, it is identified that suicidal ideation is strongly correlated to depression and distress. However, controlling these factors at an early stage can prevent the suicidal thoughts, which inevitably can reduce the suicide attempts not only in medical students but could also be valuable for students of different fields.

CORRELATION BETWEEN PSYCHOLOGICAL PARAMETERS SUCH AS DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, AND STRESS AND AFFECT SCORE AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS

Objectives: In the modern era, internet use has turned out to be a significant arena for day-to-day life activities. Proper use of the internet is harmless, but misuse of this tool might lead to disruptions in psychological health and social relationships, yet available reports about the association between internet use and affect are inconsistent. Hence, the objective is to assess and correlate the psychological parameters with the affect score among medical college students using the depression anxiety stress scale (DASS)-21 questionnaire and positive and negative affect schedule (PANAS) scale. Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional study conducted on medical students in the age group of 17–22 years. 150 participants were recruited by random sampling. DASS-21 scale was used to assess depression, anxiety, and stress, consisting of 21 items designed to measure emotional states of depression, anxiety, and stress. PANAS is designed to assess individuals’ positive and negative moods. Results: Pearson’s correlation of these psychological parameters with affect scores had a significant negative correlation with the positive affect score (depression [p=0.003], anxiety [p=0.01], and stress [p&lt;0.04]) and a significant positive correlation with negative affect score (depression [p&lt;0.02], anxiety [p=0.0009], and stress [p=0.01]). Students should be closely monitored with regard to their use of the internet, and also, internet addiction and psychological behaviors can be reduced by providing early counseling and interventional therapy. Conclusion: Awareness about the harmful effects of excessive internet use should be provided so as to enhance the academic performance of students.

Artificial intelligence (AI) in Medicine: A cross-sectional study of undergraduate medical students’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceived importance of Artificial Intelligence.

Objective: To assess the knowledge and perceptions of AI among medical students in a public sector medical college of Punjab, Pakistan. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Period: January 2024 to March 2024. Methods: With sample size of 137 convenient sampling technique was used, questionnaire was generated and data was collected from 1st year to final year via online Google forms. Then, data analysis was done using IBM SPSS software version 26. Results: 137 students participated in the study. Majority of the students 123(89.8%) were aware of Artificial Intelligence and its fascinating tools; some out of them 57(41.6%) also knew about Machine Learning &amp; Deep learning and their applications in medical field 87(63.5%). Some of them 44(33.6%) believed that AI will be a burden on medical practitioners but majority 107(78.1%) of the students are willing to work on AI. Conclusion: Many students knew much about AI and they had good perception regarding AI functioning in the medical field. They are keen to master the skills of AI and they are looking forward to utilize these tools in their medical studies as well as during healthcare practice.

Examining the Psychosocial Factors of Mental Health Well-being Among Medical University Students: Gender-based Analyses

The mental health of university students is a major concern due to the various stressors they face, including academic pressures, social dynamics, and personal development challenges. Previous studies have shown that gender differences significantly impact how students perceive and express psychological distress. This study aimed to identify these differences in the context of academic stress, social support, self-esteem, academic motivation, and family functioning, and their association with psychological distress. The study involved 2206 medical students in a cross-sectional study at a medical university in Ningxia, western China. The data analysis revealed significant gender differences in scores for academic stress, social support, and academic motivation. Academic stress, social support, and family functioning were found to be significantly associated with psychological distress for both genders. However, academic motivation was found to significantly influence psychological distress only among male students, while self-esteem had an impact on female students. These findings highlight the need for tailored mental health services in universities to address gender-specific needs, such as providing counseling services that focus on coping with academic stress and strengthening social and familial support networks to improve student well-being.

Moderating effect of sleep quality in the relationship between coping and distress among medical students.

The present study examined the moderating effects of sleep quality in the relationship between coping and distress among medical college students. Present study was conducted to ensure the mental health of medical students and to dig out the reasons behind their disturbed health which can directly impact their performance at work. The study utilized a cross-sectional survey and was distributed to students at various medical institutions in the Punjab province of Pakistan from October 2019 to June 2020. The sample comprised 369 participants (120 males; 32.5%). The survey included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Kessler Scale of Psychological Distress (K10), Brief Cope Scale, and Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale. The results showed there was a significant relationship between coping and distress. More specifically, adaptive coping and distress were negatively associated (r=-.24), and maladaptive coping and distress were positively associated (r=.46). Moreover, the present study found that poor sleep quality was a significant positive predictor of distress. Moderation analysis showed that sleep quality was a significant moderator in the relationship between adaptive coping and distress (ΔR2=.011, β=-.36, p<.01) as well as between maladaptive coping and distress (ΔR2=.021, β=-.17, p<.01). The study's findings clearly showed that sleep quality is a significant moderator in the relationship between coping (both adaptive and maladaptive) and distress among medical students.