Attitude and willingness on gamete donation among medical students:An experience from a state university in Sri Lanka

Objective:To assess the attitude and willingness of medical students of the Faculty of Medicine,University of Jaffna,regarding gamete donation.Methods:An institutional-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine,University of Jaffna,from September 2022 to May 2023 among undergraduate medical students who gave their voluntary participation.A self-administered questionnaire was used as a study instrument to collect data regarding their attitude and willingness toward gamete donation.Results:A total of 345 participants were recruited and their sociodemographic data revealed that 56.8%of the participants were female,62.3%aged between 26 and 30 years,and 92.2%were unmarried.Many of them received information regarding gamete donations during their clinical appointments.Over half(67.8%)of them showed a negative attitude towards gamete donation.Regarding willingness,only 39.7%of participants had a positive approach for being a gamete donor;among them,84.7%preferred anonymous donations.Religion and ethnicity had a significant influence on their attitudes and willingness.In addition,male was also found to be more willing to donate gametes.Conclusions:Most medical students have negative views about gamete donation.Imparting awareness and knowledge of assisted reproductive technology and gamete donation within medical students'sociocultural and ethical backgrounds might facilitate a change in attitude towards gamete donation amongst future medical practitioners.

Knowledge of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) among Medical Students in a Tertiary Hospital in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria

Background: Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) remain a common cause of death, functional disability, emotional suffering and economic burden among hospitalized patients. Knowledge of HAIs is important in its prevention and control. This study seeks to assess the knowledge of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) among medical students in a Tertiary Hospital in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study done in October 2019 among clinical medical students using a Multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire and analyzed using the IBM SPSS 20 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). Ethical approval was granted by Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Ethics Committee, Jos, Plateau State. Results: A total of 219 students in the clinical arm of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences were selected. A higher proportion (97.7%) of respondents knew about Hospital Acquired Infections and 85.4% knew that Hospital Acquired infections occur in the hospital, and (86.3%) considered patients contagious with half (58.9%) considered patients as the most important source of HAIs, followed by care givers (13.2%), then doctors including medical students and interns (10.0%) and lastly nurses (8.7%). The majority of respondents (70.8%) considered Surgical Wound Infections to be the most commonly occurring HAI, followed by UTIs (69.9%), RTIs (61.2%), BSIs (37.0%) and others (0.9%). The clinical thermometer was the instrument that most commonly transmits HAIs (82.6%), then followed by stethoscope (62.1%), white coats (53.9%), and blood pressure cuff (51.1%). Most respondents knew the infectious substances, like blood (96.3%), nasal discharge (82.6%), saliva (85.3%), and faeces (79.4%) transmitted HAIs, 72.6% of the respondents said that they were aware of the recommended hand washing techniques by WHO. Conclusion: The majority of students 91.3% had good knowledge while 8.7% had poor knowledge of HAIs. Lower classes had more respondents with poor knowledge. This finding was statistically significant (p = 0.002, Chi-square 12.819). Students are encouraged to keep up the level of knowledge they have about HAIs. These students can help improve the knowledge of those whose knowledge level is low. Government and NGOs should support sponsorship for capacity-building events targeted at HAIs for healthcare workers and medical students.

Incidence and Management of Occupational Blood Exposure (OBE) among Medical Students at the University of Bangui

Introduction: Like healthcare workers, medical students are also exposed to a risk of accidental contamination during their hospital internships. However, they do not benefit from prevention services in the same way as workers in this sector, although they actively participate in the routine care provided to patients in the various hospital departments. The objective of our study is to determine the incidence of these accidents and their medical and administrative management among these victims (medical students) not classified in the category of workers. Materials and Method: This was a cross-sectional study carried out over three months from January 15 to March 14, 2023. The study population consisted of all medical students at the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Bangui. Regularly enrolled students from 2nd to 7th year, on placement in hospitals in the Central African Republic and who gave their informed consent were included. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Results: A cross-sectional study was carried out among medical students concerning the incidence and management of accidents involving exposure to blood in the Central African Republic. Of the 254 students included, three (9%) had already been correctly vaccinated against the viral hepatitis B virus, 198 (77.9%) reported still having access to personal protective equipment, 133 students (52.4%) reported being victims of OBE in the past 12 months. The main types of OBE were stings (62%), followed by liquid splashes (32%) and cuts (6%). Among the 133 victims, 92.9% carried out immediate hand disinfection or abundant eye washing, 41.9% obtained the serology of the source patient and 37% reported the accident to their supervisor. Conclusion: It is important that students benefit from better prevention and management of these accidents.

Perception of Medical Students towards Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Hepatitis B Vaccination in a Private Tertiary Hospital in Jos North Local Government, Plateau State, Nigeria

Background: Prevention is one of the safe schemes against the high prevalence of viral Hepatitis. Negative perceptions or perceptions about the risks of hepatitis B among medical students and health care workers may influence the behavioral pattern and adoption of preventive measures against the virus and can affect the uptake of the Hepatitis B vaccine. This study assesses the perception of medical students towards Hepatitis B virus infection and Hepatitis B Vaccination in a Private Tertiary Hospital in Jos North Local Government, Plateau State, Nigeria. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study done in August 2021 among 236 clinical medical students using a multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and analysed using the IBM SPSS 28 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). Ethical approval was granted by Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Ethics Committee, Jos, Plateau State. Results: Two-thirds of respondents were of the opinion that they are at risk of contracting HBV. Half were of the opinion that the risk is very much while a third believed the risk is moderate. Among those who think they are not at risk of contracting HBV, the majority felt so because they are vaccinated while 10.3% believe that they are safe. 43.2% of respondents think that HBV Vaccine is very effective in preventing HBV infection while 39.8% think it is slightly effective, and 7.6% think it is not effective. Almost all respondents, 99.2% are of the opinion that HBV Vaccination is important for students while 0.8% think it is not important. The majority of the respondents at 95.8% were willing to be screened for HBV. The majority (85.6%) of respondents are willing to pay for HBV Vaccine as against 14.4% of respondents who are not willing to pay. Conclusion: Summarily, 21 (8.9%) of the students had a negative perception of Hepatitis B Vaccination, and 215 (91.1%) had a positive perception of Hepatitis B Vaccination. Perception-sustaining events like seminars, workshops, road shows, and campaigns should be organized among students and health workers.

Hepatitis B Vaccination in Medical and Dental Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Medical and dental students are at risk of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection. The study aimed to assess the vaccination status against Hepatitis B Virus of students in clinical and non-clinical years of a private medical and dental college, and their knowledge, attitude, and awareness about the subject. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a pretested, self-administered questionnaire among 203 medical and dental students of CMH Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry (CMH LMC & IOD) in Lahore, Pakistan. Participants were evaluated for their knowledge and vaccination status against Hepatitis B Virus. Students were considered to be fully vaccinated (recipients of 3 doses), partially vaccinated (recipients of 1 or 2 doses), and unvaccinated. Comparisons were made between students of clinical and non-clinical years. Data was entered and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Results: Only 66% (n = 134) of the 203 participants had ever received a Hepatitis B Virus vaccine out of which a meagre 17.2% (n = 35) were fully vaccinated. No significant difference was found in vaccine uptake between students of clinical and non-clinical years (p-value = 0.181) despite significant differences seen in the knowledge of vaccination schedule (p-value = 0.001), the prevalence of needle-stick injuries (p-value = 0.001), and knowledge of protocols to be followed after a needle-stick injury (p-value = 0.001). Conclusion: Our study found that a large proportion of the student population is vulnerable to HBV infection. There is a need to create awareness regarding the subject to increase vaccine uptake. HBV vaccination should be offered to all currently enrolled students and be made mandatory at the time of admission in the future.

Knowledge towards Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation among Training Doctors and Medical Students at the Mohammed VI University Hospital of Marrakech

The aim of our study is to evaluate the knowledge regarding physical medicine and rehabilitation among physicians in training and medical students at the Mohammed VI University Hospital in Marrakech, to approach the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of doctors regarding physical medicine and rehabilitation and evaluate the knowledge in theoretical training related to PRM among the students. We conducted a monocentric cross-sectional analytical study, using a web-based anonymous survey, carried out among 558 undergraduate student and training doctors, randomly selected in the form of a survey on the knowledge towards Physical Medicine and rehabilitation. We received 558 survey duly completed by students of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Marrakech (62.4%) and training doctors (37.6%). The mean age of the participants was 24.53 ± 3.9 years, with extremes ranging from 17 to 39 years. 52.7% of the participants were from the former educational reform, The predominance of participation was remarkable among pediatricians 23%, The population who knew PRM was the majority (79.3%), 40.7% of the participants were unaware of the availability of a PRM department at Mohamed VI University Hospital, 0.5% of all training doctors and medical students questioned strongly agreed with the sufficiency of their training in disability management were belonging to the new reform, 84.1% of participants had never attended or referred a patient to the PRM department. 23.2% of training doctors affirmed the referral of patients to PRM for further management. Despite the essential role of PRM in the management of diseases, it remains little known by training doctors and medical students. This lack of knowledge of PRM reflects the lack of the undergraduate and postgraduate of the medical education in the field of rehabilitation.

Current Status of Key Competencies among Medical Students: A Latent Profile Analysis

The purpose of this study was to understand the overall level of key competencies of medical students and explore the potential profile of key competencies, promoting quality education, and improving the quality talent cultivation in medical colleges. A stratified random sampling method selected 734 medical students from four medical colleges in Chongqing Province of China. A general information questionnaire and a key competencies survey questionnaire were used to conduct the survey. The overall score and scores of each dimension of key competencies were analyzed. Latent profile analysis was conducted to classify the key competencies of medical students and compare the distribution differences of demographic variables among different categories. The results showed that 26% of medical students have never heard of the concept of key competencies, and 59% of them are not familiar with the content related to key competencies. The score of key competencies is 3.66 ± 0.60, with the highest score in the dimension of responsibility and the lowest score in the dimension of humanistic accomplishment. The latent profile analysis classified them into three categories: “low key competencies group (14.71%)”, “medium key competencies group (36.79%)”, and “high key competencies group (48.50%)”. The R3STEP regression analysis results showed statistically significant differences in educational level and whether they served as student cadres among different key competencies categories of medical students. This paper discusses three different potential key competencies categories among medical students, and the overall level of key competencies is relatively good. However, medical students lack a comprehensive and systematic understanding of key competencies. Humanistic accomplishment, healthy living, and practical innovation are the three dimensions with lower scores and should be given more attention. Medical colleges should integrate the concept of key competencies into teaching and implement it in medical practice to cultivate more high-quality medical talents for society.

Exploration on Teaching Reform of Medical Functional Experimental Science for International Students

Medical Functional Experiment Science, a bridge between basic medicine and clinical medicine, integrates classical experimental teaching contents of three courses including physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology. This course not only helps students to verify and reinforce theoretical knowledge, but also cultivates their capability of scientific thinking to discover and solve problems. Based on the characteristics of international students and current situation of the teaching platform in the laboratory at Yangtze University, this paper discusses a series of problems in the Medical Functional Experiment Science teaching for international students and puts forward some measures for teaching reform including optimizing experimental content, innovating experimental teaching methods and establishing effective experimental evaluation mode, in order to cultivate more international medical students with innovative ability.

Analysis of the Necessity and Modalities of Imparting Death Education to Medical Students Undergoing Training in Oncology Departments

Patients with advanced-stage tumors may experience various psychological problems that can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of cancer treatment and the quality of their survival.Therefore,it is crucial for oncologists to prioritize addressing the psychological issues that patients encounter throughout the diagnosis and treatment process.As future frontline healthcare professionals,oncology medical students should receive education on end-of-life care early on in their training.This will enable them to develop a profound appreciation for the value of life,deliver improved medical services,and contribute to the humanization of medicine.Furthermore,they will be able to provide terminal patients and their families with effective professional guidance,assisting patients in finding peaceful endings with minimal pain and helping families come to terms with the inevitable realities they face.Moreover,this education can effectively enhance their sense of responsibility toward life and cultivate a positive and optimistic attitude toward their own lives.

Mindfulness training in medical education as a means to improve resilience,empathy,and mental health in the medical profession

The high rates of depression,burnout,and increased risk of suicide among medical students,residents,and physicians in comparison with other careers signal a mental health crisis within our profession.We contend that this crisis coupled with the inadequate acquisition of interpersonal skills during medical education results from the interaction between a challenging environment and the mental capital of individuals.Additionally,we posit that mindfulness-based practices are instrumental for the development of major components of mental capital,such as resilience,flexibility of mind,and learning skills,while also serving as a pathway to enhance empathy,compassion,self-awareness,conflict resolution,and relational abilities.Importantly,the evidence base supporting the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions has been increasing over the years,and a growing number of medical schools have already integrated mindfulness into their curricula.While we acknowledge that mindfulness is not a panacea for all educational and mental health problems in this field,we argue that there is currently an unprecedented opportunity to gather momentum,spread and study mindfulness-based programs in medical schools around the world as a way to address some longstanding shortcomings of the medical profession and the health and educational systems upon which it is rooted.

Implementation of an international medical student pen-pal club:survey outcomes of perceptions in cultural competency and global health

Background:Pen-pal clubs(PPC)are used worldwide for students to learn about different cultures and other skillsets without the need for travel.Many medical students are interested in global health opportunities abroad but costs,scheduling,and other barriers allow few to participate in such experiences.It is important that medical students have nuanced global medical perspectives and can contribute to the global medical community.Objective:The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that an international medical student PPC improves medical students'perspectives of cultural competency and global health engagement.Methods:In 2021,a novel medical student PPC was established that began between an American and Japanese medical school.Following a shareholders meeting,it was decided that the number of medical schools involved globally be expanded through previous institutional affiliations and online presences.In total,the club connected 50 American medical students and 52 medical students from 17 high-and middle-income countries.The primary form of communication was online;pen-pals were encouraged to communicate monthly using provided topics,although frequency and way of communication was their discretion.In February 2022,American PPC members were emailed a qualitative survey to assess the PPC's impact.Results:The survey was completed by 42%of American PPC members,95%of which were 22-26 years.Participants were preclinical medical students,60%whom were female and the majority either white(47%)or Asian(43%).Overall,the PPC positively influenced American medical students'perception of global medicine,medical education,and their cultural competency after joining the PPC compared to prior(P=0.004).Conclusion:PPCs encourage medical students to think from a global perspective and foster open-mindedness within varying social and cultural contexts.Having a global communication platform for students during medical school education may be an additional way to train aspiring global leaders.

Development and Validation of a Simplified Chinese Version of the Assessment Tool for Students' Perceptions of Medical Professionalism

Professionalism is crucial in all professions and is particularly important in the medical field.Measuring students' perceptions of professionalism can help to form education targeting the enhancement of professionalism.This study aimed to validate an effective assessment tool for the measurement of medical students5 perceptions of medical professionalism in China's Mainland.The cross-sectional survey was conducted in three medical colleges in Guangdong,China.Of the 2103 eligible medical students,1976 responded,and 1856 questionnaires were deemed valid.Students from clinical medicine in these three medical colleges were randomly selected by cluster sampling.First,a Simplified Chinese Version questionnaire to measure Student's Perception of Medical Professionalism (SCV-SPMP) was constructed.Second,questionnaires from 1856 students majoring in clinical medicine at three medical colleges were included in the analysis.Third,exploratory factor analysis,Cronbach's alpha,item-subscale correlation,and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted to test the validity and reliability of the SCV-SPMP.Nine items were eliminated following exploratory factor analysis,and four subscales were extracted from the analysis.All internal consistency reliability exceeded the minimum standard.The overall Cronbach's alpha was 0.94,and four subscales' alphas were 0.82 (Accountability and excellence),0.81 (Duty),0.89 (Honor and integrity),and 0.85 (Practice habits and respect for others),respectively.The model fit was good.The convergent validity and discriminant validity were acceptable.The modified SCVSPMP was found to be a valid and reliable tool to capture the main features of Chinese students' perceptions of medical professionalism in four dimensions,and it provides a quantitative method for the measurement of the students' perceptions in China's Mainland..

Comparison of posttraumatic growth and posttraumatic stress of nurses with physicians and medical students after caring of COVID‑19 patients

Objectives:The present study compared the prevalence and psychosocial factors affecting posttraumatic growth(PTG),posttraumatic stress disorder(PTSD),and psychological distress in nurses,physicians,and medical students.Materials and Methods:In a cross‑sectional study,three groups of medical staff including nurses(n=57),physicians(n=40),and medical students(n=34)who were responsible for the care/treatment of COVID‑19 patients admitted to a general hospital for 4 months responded to Posttraumatic Growth Inventory,Brief Symptom Inventory‑18,Resilience Questionnaire,PTSD Screen,and Social Capital‑Integrated Questionnaire.Results:After the exposure of medical staff to at least 4 months of treatment/care of COVID‑19 patients,PTG prevalence was higher than PTSD(38.2%vs.14.6%),but they experienced some degrees of psychological distress(65.5%).The nurses had 8.33(confidence interval[CI]:2.5–26.7)times higher PTG rate than medical students(P<0.001).Physicists also experienced 5.00(CI:1.4–26.7)times higher PTG than medical students(P<0.001).PTG was aided by age,married status,strong resilience,and high social capital,but gender had no influence.Resilience played an important protective role to prevent the incidence of psychological distress in nurses,medical students,and physicians.Conclusion:Despite the fact that the PTSD and psychological distress were same in the three groups of medical staff,the nurses had a greater rate of PTG than physicians and medical students.

Medical Students’Views on Psychiatry in Germany and Italy:Survey

Objectives:In 2019,the Insititue for Health Metrics and Evaluation reported that 16%of life lost were attributed to mental health.As a result,global shortage of psychiatrists is a pressing issue due to the increasing burden of mental illness.In 2016,a mere 5%of US medical students chose psychiatry as a career,a trend mirrored in Germany and Italy.As the medical students of 2016 have graduated or transitioned into residency in 2023,their attitudes towards psychiatry could have contributed to today’s shortage of psychiatrists.The global mental health burden has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.This study explores the attitudes of German and Italian medical students towards psychiatry,their career aspirations,and the influence of factors such as personal experience and education on their interest in the field.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 799 medical students in two European countries in 2016.Participants answered questions about their attitudes towards psychiatry,their psychiatric education,and personal experiences.Inferential analyses were performed using chi-square tests and a significance level of 0.05.Results:The number of years in medical school,personal experiences,and perceived quality of education significantly affected specialty choice and ranking of psychiatry compared to other specialties.Internships,psychiatric placements,and views on psychiatric instructors also played a significant role in choosing psychiatry as a career.Conclusions:Assessing medical students’attitudes towards psychiatry and the factors that influence their career choices,such as psychiatric education and personal experiences,can inform changes to attract students to the field.Addressing the worldwide shortage of psychiatrists is crucial to reduce the burden of mental health and substance use disorders.

Medical School Students’ Knowledge of Pain and Palliative Care: An Observational Study

Background: Pain and palliative care are a reality in daily routines of medical treatment. However, the theoretical-practical curricula of traditional medical school course still unsatisfactorily contemplate pain management, as well as the palliative care approach. Objective: To assess the knowledge of medical students about pain and palliative care, as well as to identify their perception of teaching these topics during hospitalization. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study, with a descriptive and exploratory approach, data collection for which was carried out between August and November 2020. The target population was medical students, who responded to an online survey of a quantitative, anonymous and follow-up nature. The survey study variables concerned knowledge about pain management and palliative care. Results: An expressive majority of academics showed difficulty in understanding the pathophysiology of pain related to prescribing drugs for pain management purposes, and all of them believe that it is necessary to acquire more knowledge about pain treatment. In parallel, only 9.3% report having received sufficient information regarding palliative care during medical school. Conclusion: The results suggest a certain lack of knowledge and insecurity among medical school students with respect to pain management and care for patients receiving palliative care. The didactical approach to this theme is still deficient in the medical curriculum and requires immediate improvement and new proposals that address the training of these professionals in a more specific and effective way.

Determinants of internet addiction among medical students in Casablanca: a cross-sectional study

Objective:This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and determinants of Internet addiction among medical students at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca,Morocco.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study conducted among students at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy in Casablanca between October and March 2020.An online questionnaire was administered to students to collect data and internet addiction was assessed by the Young questionnaire.A score threshold≥50 was adopted to define addiction.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with internet addiction.Results:Out of a total of 4093 FMPC students enrolled in the 2020-2021 academic year,506 agreed to participate in this study,including 303 females and 203 males.The mean addiction score assessed on the Young scale was(49.08±16.11).The prevalence of Internet addiction was 44.5%(225/506,95% CI:40% to 49%).Multiple regression analysis showed that being older than 20 years(OR=0.17,95% CI:0.40 to 0.64),being female(OR=1.70,95% CI:1.04 to 2.78),being in the dissertation year(6th year)(OR=5.17,95% CI:2.23 to 11.44),having a history of psychiatric consultation(OR=2.64,95% CI:1.34 to 5.21),having divorced parents(OR=2.64,95% CI:1.05 to 5.87),use of sleeping medication(OR=2.9,95% CI:1.05 to 3.70),sleep disorders(OR=2.06,95% CI:1.25 to 3.79),sleep deprivation(OR=2.26,95% CI:1.39 to 3.65),excessive daytime sleepiness(OR=5.39,95% CI:2.19 to 13.24),anxiety disorders(OR=1.47,95% CI:1.18 to 2.30),duration of internet connection(>4 h)(OR=11.43,95% CI:4.85 to 27.66),and having frequent conflicts with parents(OR=2.37,95% CI:1.49 to 3.79)and friends(OR=0.26,95% CI:0.11 to 0.65)were independently associated with internet addiction.Conclusion:The prevalence of Internet addiction among medical students in Casablanca remains high.Targeted action on the determinants would be of great value in prevention.

Depression among medical students in Tunisia:Prevalence and associated factors

BACKGROUND Medical school is known for its lengthy process,which is both physically and emotionally draining.Students’mental balance would shrink as they progress in their medical training.A systematic review and meta-analysis reported that the prevalence of depressive symptoms among medical students remained relatively constant at 27.2%.AIM To assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms among Tunisian medical students and evaluate its associated factors.METHODS This is a descriptive cross-sectional study that was carried out in the second semester of the academic year 2017/2018,between April 2018 and July 2018 among 1138 medical students.Data were collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory-II(BDI-II).RESULTS Sixty-four percent(n=728)of the participants had depressive symptoms,of which 266(23.4%)met the criteria for mild,271(23.8%)for moderate,and 191(16.8%)for severe depressive symptoms.Female gender,low socio-economic level,smoking habits and history of mental disorder,performing leisure and physical activities,satisfaction toward a career choice,and happiness perception were the main prognostic factors for depression among medical students.Although academic grades may not be considered a prognostic factor,final-year students appeared to be less depressive than their colleagues.CONCLUSION These findings give insight into mental health issues and comorbidities among Tunisian medical students.It is a hopeful request for decision-makers and academic authorities to set serious measures and draw effective interventions to minimize the currency of psychological distress among this subpopulation.

Contribution to the Study of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Medical Students at the University of Parakou in Republic of Benin

Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome is the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder. The objective of this work is to contribute to improving the medical follow-up of medical students at the University of Parakou through a study of irritable bowel syndrome. Study Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with prospective data collection. Data were collected from medical students from May 2018 to July 2018 using a pre-established questionnaire. Sampling was probabilistic using a two-stage survey. The diagnostic tools were: Rome IV criteria, Bristol scale and HAD (hospital anxiety and depression) scale. Data analysis was performed using Epi Info 7.1.3.14 software. CDC. Results: Thirty-two (7.55%) of the 424 students included had irritable bowel syndrome. Out of the 32 students with IBS, 24 (75%) were female. Their average age was 21.38 ± 2.39 years. For 24 students (75%), the symptoms occurred at the same time as exam preparation or the intense course period. Of the 32 students with IBS, 1 (3.12%) was regularly physically active. In this series, 8 students (28%) consulted a doctor for their symptoms. The factors associated with this syndrome were female sex (p = 0.022), sleep disorders (p = 0.008) and the presence of a doubtful depression (p = 0.021). Absenteeism due to irritable bowel syndrome was noted in 18 (56.25%) students. Conclusion: Irritable bowel syndrome is a common condition among medical students in Parakou. Support for better management of psychological disorders could improve the quality of life of these students.

Cultivate Innovative and Entrepreneurial Qualities among Medical Students through Curriculum Ideology and Politics

As the main body of promoting the development of medical science and technology, medical students play an extremely important role in promoting the construction of new medical science. New medicine is a new concept based on the development of traditional medicine, breaking the discipline barrier, aiming to cultivate composite talents, taking reality as the orientation, and combining with the Internet, big data and artificial intelligence. Cultivating medical students’ innovation and entrepreneurship literacy is not only the internal need of the construction of innovative medical talents in new medical sciences, but also the development need of promoting the optimization of medical disciplines and effectively promoting the construction of an innovative country. As the main place for training medical talents, medical colleges and universities should integrate classroom ideology and politics with the new medical background to improve medical students’ professional knowledge, professional ethics, humanistic quality and scientific and technological quality, promote the cultivation of medical students’ innovative spirit, and further innovate medical theories, technologies and concepts. It lays a solid foundation for cultivating top medical talents with both innovative thinking and cultural self-confidence and building an innovative country.

Study on Empathy among Undergraduate Students of the Medical Profession in Nepal

Background: The incumbent of medical professional is expected to be socially responsible and emotionally empathetic along with good communication propensity to fasten the doctor-patient relationship. Whilst doctor’s proficiency to recognize a patient’s perspectives, and convey such an understanding back to the patient;in our case, the empathy and compassion level of promising medical professional is unknown in Nepal. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the compassion and empathy score of final year’s undergraduate students of four medical colleges in Nepal. Methods: Self-reported empathy measures were obtained using the Jefferson Scale of Physician-Student version. Results: The degree of empathy for the participants was 97.28 (SD = 14.44) with a median score of 96.00 and a range of 44 (min) to 133 (max). There was a significant difference on scores of the Jefferson scale of physician empathy between NMC Nepalgunj and BPKIHS (p = 0.00) and between NMC Nepalgunj and Manipal Pokhara (p = 0.00), as well as between UCMS and Manipal Pokhara (p = 0.044). These results were significant at the 95% confidence interval. Conclusions: The mean empathy score for the Nepali students is lower than medical students from developed countries but almost similar to medical students from other Asian medical students. The female Nepali medical students scored slightly higher than their male counterparts. Thus colleges have to develop academic programs to improve empathy and compassion among medical students through providing adequate time to consult with patient and faculties.