Knowledge and Practice towards Self -Medication among University of Kerbala Students

eman mohammed abid — Sun, 17 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract
Background:
In general, the use of medicines divided into prescription-only medicines and over-the-counter drugs. The former requires a medical prescription; the latter are available for self-medication of common minor and easily treated illness. However, in the developing countries, prescription-only medicines can easily be purchased without a prescription, resulting in potential misuse and unnecessary risk for individuals.
Objectives:
Evaluate the knowledge and practice among University of Kerbala students of about self-medication.
Subjects and Methods:
A cross-sectional study has been implemented in the University of Kerbala among seven colleges included both medical and non-medical colleges selected by a multistage cluster sampling technique while the students were chosen by simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through questionnaire papers in Arabic during April & May 2019.
Results:
The selected sample have a low mean knowledge score (4.83 ± 2.16) about the proper use of medications and drug safety. Especially regarding appropriate antibiotic use, with a correctness rate of 25.4. Two thirds of the sample (62.1%) practiced self-medication with no significant difference between medical and non‑medical students.
Conclusion:
This study showed that selected sample from the University of Kerbala has low level of knowledge about the proper use of medications and drug safety. About two-thirds of selected sample practiced self-medication for both over the counter and prescription-only medications. There is an irrational use of antibiotics, which needs attention by health institutions in Iraq.

Evaluation Of Outcomes of Iraqi Medical Students' Engagement in The Community Through Project-Based Learning Approach

علي منصور جاسم العامري, Mousa Mohsin — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: In most medical faculties in Iraq, scientific research is introduced late in the curriculum. Studies exhibit that the scientific engagement of medical college students can be fostered through the early introduction of the project-based learning (PtBL) strategy in the medical curriculum. To be started, PtBL approach in this study considers gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension as research areas. However, the medical education literature does not show the short-term and intermediate-term outcomes of PtBL, including those related to research projects findings.

Aims and objectives: The project aimed to explore the short and intermediate-term outcomes of the PtBL approach in improving the academic knowledge and skills of medical students at the College of Medicine, University of Kerbala to aid achieving institutional mission.

Methods: A mixed-method study was designed to assess the short and intermediate-term outcomes of PtBL in medical education. The project started after assessing stakeholders' needs. This was done by analyzing a needs assessment form which was answered by 83 persons, including students, faculty members, and other health care providers. The approval to conduct the project was obtained from the review board of the College of Medicine, University of Kerbala. A four-month PtBL course was designed which was endorsed by the institute's curriculum committee. Twenty five year- four medical students and ten faculty members as course facilitators were included in the study. Five research teams were developed, and two faculty members supervised each team. Participation was voluntary, and informed consent was obtained from each participant. The research projects were designed to engage students in the screening of gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension. The project outcomes were assessed through post-tests, mini CEX, semi-structured feedback questionnaires, and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were statistically analyzed using SPSS, and the qualitative data were analyzed by thematic (content) analysis.

Results: Most participants, 24 out of 25 students (98%) and all the faculty participants, expressed satisfaction with the contents and delivery of the course innovation. Ninety percent of the students reported significant improvement in their conceptual background and clinical and research-based skills. Although not statistically significant, students also reported improved teamwork, interpersonal and communication skills. In addition, the faculty members reported improvement in students' scientific engagement. Notably, all faculty recommended introducing PtBL in other areas of the medical curriculum.

Conclusion: The initial results indicate that community research PtBL approach is an effective method to improve scientific engagement and active learning in medical students. Teams’ research results are being followed up to be harvested and analyzed to prove the longer term community health-related outcomes of this study. Carefully designed projects involving medical students can economically and effectively address public health problems. Therefore, medical educators might consider introducing a PtBL approach associated with discrete public health research goals early in the medical curriculum.

Keywords

Project-based learning; Students' engagement, Curriculum Innovation .

Karbala Journal of Medicine

Knowledge and Practice towards Self -Medication among University of Kerbala Students

Evaluation Of Outcomes of Iraqi Medical Students' Engagement in The Community Through Project-Based Learning Approach