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Prevalence and predictors of depression and suicidal ideation among adolescents attending government secondary schools in Malaysia

Ibrahim N, Sherina MS, Phang CK, Mukhtar F, Awang H, Ang JK, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2017 08;72(4):221-227.
PMID: 28889133 MyJurnal

No abstract available.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools/statistics & numerical data*
Assessing the competency of University of Malaya dental graduates: employers' and graduates' perceptions

Razak IA, Latifah RR, Jaafar N, Abu Hassan MI, Ab Murat N

J Dent Educ, 2008 Mar;72(3):364-9.
PMID: 18316541

A survey was conducted to assess competencies of dental graduates of the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, as perceived by the graduates and their employers, based on the five-year undergraduate curriculum introduced in 1995. All senior dental officers in the Ministry of Health (MOH), representing employers, and all 164 dental graduates of the years 2000, 2001, and 2002 were sent a self-administered questionnaire covering eight areas of competency. The respondents had to rate these areas on a scale of 1 (very poor) to 4 (very good). The responses for each area were then dichotomized into poor (1 and 2) and good (3 and 4). If less than 60 percent of the respondents rated an area as good, then it was categorized as needing attention; 60-69 percent as satisfactory; and 70 percent and above as excellent. One hundred and six graduates (64.6 percent) and twenty-nine employers (96.7 percent) responded; of the graduates, 73.6 percent were working in the MOH and 22.6 percent in private practice. About 57.1 percent of employers reported that at least five graduates have worked under them. Graduates (85.7 percent) and employers (83.3 percent) agreed that graduates have excellent skills in communication. Although all graduates perceived their competency to be excellent in the four areas (treatment planning; community-based skills; management, administrative skills, and personal management; and professional development skills), employers felt that these are the areas that are of concern and needed attention. In conclusion, whilst generally the graduates' level of competency in almost all areas is acceptable or good, there are areas of concern that need to be addressed to further improve the five-year curriculum at the University of Malaya.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools, Dental/standards
Fulltext Psychometric properties of the Medical Student Wellbeing Index at different interval of measurements in a cohort of medical students

Muhamad Saiful Bahri Yusoff, Mohd Jamil Yaacob, Naing, Nyi Nyi, Ab Rahman Esa

Education in Medicine Journal, 2013;5(4):21-28.
MyJurnal

Background: One of important educational climate roles is to provide an environment that promotes positive development of medical students' psychological wellbeing during training. Unfortunately, many studies have reported that educational climate in medical education are not favourable to them. Therefore, it is a real need for a simple, valid, reliable and stable tool that will help medical schools to screen psychological wellbeing of their students so that early intervention could be done.
Objective: This study aimed to explore the psychometric properties of the Medical Student Wellbeing Index (MSWBI) to measure psychological wellbeing at different interval of measurements in a cohort of medical students.

Method: A prospective study was done on a cohort of medical students. MSWBI was administered to the medical students at five different intervals. The confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach's alpha and intra-class correlation analysis were applied to measure construct validity, internal consistency and agreement level at different interval of measurements.

Result: A total of 153 (89.5%) medical students responded completely to the MSWBI. The MSWBI showed that the one-factor model had acceptable values for most of the goodness of fit indices signified its construct was stable across multiple measurements. The overall Cronbach's alpha values for the MSWBI at the five measurements ranged between 0.69 and 0.78. The ICC coefficient values for the MSWBI total score was 0.58 to 0.59.

Conclusion: This study found that the MSWBI had stable psychometric properties as a screening tool for measuring psychological wellbeing among medical students at different time and occasions. Continued research is required to refine and verify its psychometric credentials at different educational settings.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools, Medical
Fulltext A conceptual framework of stress management intervention for medical students

Muhamad Saiful Bahri Yusoff, Mohd Jamil Yaacob, Naing, Nyi Nyi, Ab Rahman Esa

Education in Medicine Journal, 2013;5(3):93-99.
MyJurnal

Teaching stress management skills for medical students has been echoed as an important educational component in medical education. Discussions about approaches to teaching stress management in medical education context are largely unexplored despite of a large number of articles have emphasized on its importance. This paper describes four elements in a framework as an approach to teaching stress management skills in medical education. As one moves through the framework, it provides a greater degree of insight on stress management ability as is acquired through one's awareness, experience and conscious effort that allow stressful situations to be handled effectively and efficiently. It may provide a useful educational framework for medical teachers to teach and assess stress management skills of medical students. It also may be used as an aid in planning, implementing and evaluating stress management programs in medical schools. The authors discuss about the implications of this framework for future research in medical education.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools, Medical
Comparing dental caries status using Modified International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) and World Health Organization (WHO) indices among school children of Bhakkar, Pakistan

Taqi M, Razak IA, Ab-Murat N

J Pak Med Assoc, 2019 Jul;69(7):950-954.
PMID: 31308560

OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare the dental caries status among children using two methods..
METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted in October-November 2017 at five government and two private schools in Bhakkar, Punjab, Pakistan. It comprised children aged 11-12 years. World Health Organisation standards and the modified International Caries Detection and Assessment Systems methods were used were used to determine the dental caries status of each subject. Results of the two methods were compared at all cut- offs where appropriate, using SPSS 17.
RESULTS: Of the 183 subjects, 101(55.2%) were boys. Those aged 12 years were 112(61.2%) while 71(38.8%) were aged 11 years. There was no statistically significant difference in values of the Decayed Missing and Filled Surface / Decayed Missing and Filled Teeth index as well as the prevalence of dental caries between two methods (p>0.05 each). Intra-examiner reproducibility was higher with the World Health Organisation method compared to the other index used (p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Modified International Caries Detection and Assessment Systems method can be used in epidemiological surveys as it was found to provide results similar to the World Health Organisation criteria at cut-off point 2.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools
Academic Staff Perspectives Towards Adoption of E-learning at Melaka Manipal Medical College: Has E-learning Redefined our Teaching Model?

Bhardwaj A, Nagandla K, Swe KM, Abas AB

Kathmandu Univ Med J (KUMJ), 2015 12 2;13(49):12-8.
PMID: 26620743

BACKGROUND: E-learning is the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to provide online education and learning. E- Learning has now been integrated into the traditional teaching as the concept of 'blended learning' that combines digital learning with the existing traditional teaching methods to address the various challenges in the field of medical education. Structured e-learning activities were started in Melaka Manipal Medical College in 2009 via e-learning platform (MOODLE-Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment).
OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study is to investigate the faculty opinions toward the existing e-learning activities, and to analyse the extent of adopting and integration of e-learning into their traditional teaching methods.
METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted among faculties of Medicine and Dentistry using pre-tested questionnaires. The data was analyzed by using the statistical package for social science, SPSS, version 16.0.
RESULTS: The result of our survey indicates that majority of our faculty (65.4%) held positive opinion towards e-learning. Among the few, who demonstrated reservations, it is attributed to their average level of skills and aptitude in the use of computers that was statistically significant (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION: Our study brings to light the need for formal training as perquisite to support e-learning that enables smooth transition of the faculty from their traditional teaching methods into blended approach. Our results are anticipated to strengthen the existing e-learning activities of our college and other universities and convincingly adopt e-learning as a viable teaching and learning strategy.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools, Dental/organization & administration*
Greening the workforce in higher educational institutions: The pursuance of environmental performance

Ali QM, Nisar QA, Abidin RZU, Qammar R, Abbass K

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Dec;30(60):124474-124487.
PMID: 35349063 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19888-3

The research aims to examine the role of green human resource management (GHRM) in the university's environmental performance. Furthermore, this research also focuses on the mediating effect of green commitment and pro-environmental behavior. It also aims to check how green self-efficacy moderates the relationship between green commitment and pro-environmental behavior. The paper opted for a quantitative design using the convenience sampling technique/approach by collecting the data through a structured questionnaire on 208 academic staff currently employed in the university. The data were collected from August until December 2021 on two campuses (Gujranwala, Jhelum) of the University of Punjab in Pakistan. The current study results give empirical insights that show how green human resource management practices lead to environmental performance at a greater level in a university setting. Study results proposed that change in behavior of employees through human resource management practices can ultimately affect the organization's environmental performance. Further results also demonstrate that green self-efficacy moderates the relationship between green commitment and pro-environmental behavior. This study highlights the role of the university staff's level of commitment and self-efficacy, which are beneficial for enhancing the university's environmental performance. The originality of this study fills the gap in how green commitment mediates the relationship of green human resource management and environmental performance further; it fulfills the gap of green self-efficacy that moderates the relationship of pro-environmental behavior and green commitment. The study sheds light on green human resource management practices in the higher education sector. It emphasizes the vital role of academic staff's environmentally conscious behavior in enhancing a university's environmental performance. The further study highlighted the increasing concept of green human resource management as a set of building the ability, enhancing motivation, and providing opportunities to influence workers' pro-environmental behaviors. The conclusion of the current research was capable of validating the positive concerns of green GHRM, behaviors, and commitments for environmental performance.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools*
Problematic alcohol use and depression in secondary school students in Miri, Malaysia

Chhoa KH, Zakaria H, Abd Rahman FN

Pediatr Int, 2019 Mar;61(3):284-292.
PMID: 30636372 DOI: 10.1111/ped.13789

BACKGROUND: Alcohol consumption in the under-aged is one of the main concerns regarding Malaysian adolescents. There is no previous study on problematic alcohol use (PAU) in adolescents in Sarawak. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of PAU, its associated variables and its relationship with depression.
METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 327 secondary school students completed the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test and Children's Depression Inventory, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Binary and multivariable logistic regression were used to examine the relationship between the different variables.
RESULTS: A total of 42.2% of adolescents had PAU. Urban adolescents had a higher prevalence compared with rural adolescents (OR, 1.612; 95% CI: 1.036-2.508 P = 0.034). Female adolescents (56.8%) and Bumiputera Sarawak adolescents (76.8%) comprised a large proportion of the respondents with PAU. Cultural norm (78.3%) and curiosity (68.1%) were the two main reasons for PAU. Only family history of alcohol use (OR, 2.273; 95% CI: 1.013-5.107; P = 0.047), ever consumed alcohol (OR, 57.585; 95% CI: 21.885-151.525; P

Matched MeSH terms: Schools/statistics & numerical data
Fulltext The GReat-Child™ Trial: A Quasi-Experimental Intervention on Whole Grains with Healthy Balanced Diet to Manage Childhood Obesity in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Koo HC, Poh BK, Abd Talib R

Nutrients, 2018 Jan 30;10(2).
PMID: 29385769 DOI: 10.3390/nu10020156

Background: The GReat-Child Trial was a quasi-experimental intervention that has emphasized whole grain as a strategy to manage childhood obesity. Methods: Two schools in Kuala Lumpur with similar demographic characteristics were assigned as intervention (IG) and control (CG). Eligibility criteria were overweight/obese children aged 9 to 11 years who had no serious co-morbidity. Children who reported consuming wholegrain foods in their 3-day diet-recall during screening were excluded. A total of 63 children (31 IG; 32 CG) completed the entire intervention program. The IG children underwent six 30-min nutrition education lessons and had school delivery of wholegrain food on a daily basis over a 12-week period. Parents of IG children attended 1-h individual diet counseling. Anthropometric outcomes including BMI-for-age z-score (BAZ), body fat percentage and waist circumference were measured at baseline [T0], post-intervention [T1] (3rd month) and follow-up [T2] (9th month). Results: IG showed significantly lower BAZ (weighted difference: -0.12; 95% CI: -0.21, -0.03; p = 0.009), body fat percentage (weighted difference: -2.6%; 95% CI: -3.7, -1.5; p < 0.001) and waist circumference (weighted difference: -2.4 cm; 95% CI: -3.8, -1.0; p = 0.001) compared to CG. IG reported significantly lower body fat percentage (weighted difference: -3.4%; 95% CI: 1.8, 5.0; p < 0.001) and waist circumference (weighted difference: -2.1 cm; 95% CI: -3.7, -0.5; p = 0.014) at T1 compared to T0. Conclusions: The GReat-Child Trial made a positive impact in managing childhood obesity. It can be incorporated into childhood obesity intervention programs that are being implemented by the policy makers.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools
Fulltext The negative impact of living environment on intelligence quotient of primary school children in Baghdad City, Iraq: a cross-sectional study

Ghazi HF, Isa ZM, Aljunid S, Shah SA, Tamil AM, Abdalqader MA

BMC Public Health, 2012;12:562.
PMID: 22839101 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-12-562

Environmental factors play a very important role in the child development process, especially in a situation like that of Iraq. Thirteen years of economic sanctions followed by the 2003 war and 8 years of unstable security have affected the daily life of Iraqi families and children. The objective of this study was to assess the associations between living environment domains and child intelligence quotient (IQ) score.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools*
Fulltext A review on techniques and challenges in sentiment analysis of student’s comments

Siti Rohaidah Ahmad, Nurhafizah Moziyana Mohd Yusof, Siti Hajar Zainal Rashid, Abdul Ghapor Hussin

ZULFAQAR International Journal of Defence Science, Engineering & Technology, 2020;3(2):32-36.
MyJurnal

Assessment of instructors by students is needed for assessing the teaching quality of a lecturer towards achieving the objectives of a course. This paper aims to examine the techniques used in sentiment analysis for assessing the effectiveness of a lecturer’s or a teacher’s teaching style in the learning process at a university or school. In addition, the effectiveness of sentiment analysis techniques in assisting the teaching evaluation process is also discussed. The challenges for assessing the quality of teaching of National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM) lecturers are also discussed in this paper. The sentiment analysis technology is capable of analysing views or opinions on a matter, regardless of whether they are positive or negative. Data from the sentiment analysis can be used by specific parties or anyone else to rectify any weakness or to improve any aspect that the user commented on. The purpose of this study is not to find the weakness of the lecturer, but rather the results of this assessment process can be useful to the management for rectifying weaknesses and for improving the teaching process.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools
Private medical education--the doctor's perspective

Abdul Hamid AK

Med J Malaysia, 2000 Aug;55 Suppl B:23-7.
PMID: 11125516

The Government's decision to drastically and speedily increase the number of doctors in the country needs to be reviewed. The standard and quality of health care does not depend on the number of doctors, but on the improvement of the health care infrastructure. Increasing the number of government medical schools and increasing the intake of students should be done on a need-to basis, with the above perspective in mind. The selection criteria of candidates must not be compromised and the teaching staff must be adequate and experienced. The number of doctors should be gradually increased over the years in tandem with the development of the health care infrastructure and the deployment of doctors must be directed at providing equitable care to the people at all economic levels and geographic locations. The strength of academic staff in existing government medical schools must be upgraded to provide high level of teaching and research, perhaps reinforced with the recruitment of suitably qualified and experienced foreign teachers. The infrastructure of existing government medical schools must be upgraded to cater for the gradual increasing demand for more doctors as the country develops. The selection of candidates for the government medical schools must be based on merit and without undue emphasis on ethnic considerations, for it is only in the arena of fair competitiveness that excellence can be born. The considerations of merit in selection must include assessment of attitude, self-development, moral ethics and reasoning. If the above perspectives are fully appreciated, then there is really no requirement for private medical colleges in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools, Medical
Fulltext Sitting anthropometrics groupings of school children from grades 1 to 5

Hanani Yuhaniz, Asnawi Seraila, Suhaimi Muhammed, Abdul Hamid Saleh

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2016;16(10):0-0.
MyJurnal

This study on anthropometrics of Primary School children from grade 1 to 5 in Peninsular Malaysia involves 2310 students aged seven to eleven years old. The objectives were to analyze the differentiation of anthropometrics between children of grades 1 to 5 and grouping them to suitable levels in which they are appropriate to propose chair dimensions. A multi-stage sampling method was used, and rural and urban areas were also included in providing anthropometric database that represents the whole Peninsular Malaysia population. There were six dimensions measured in this study, which are sitting shoulder, sitting subscapular height, sitting elbow height, hip width, buttock-popliteal length and popliteal height. All the measurements were chosen to represent dimensions needed to construct ergonomic school chair. From the results, ANOVA showed p-values of

Matched MeSH terms: Schools
Fulltext Challenges for Adolescents With Congenital Heart Defects/Chronic Rheumatic Heart Disease and What They Need: Perspectives From Patients, Parents and Health Care Providers at the Institut Jantung Negara (National Heart Institute), Malaysia

Tye SK, Kandavello G, Wan Ahmadul Badwi SA, Abdul Majid HS

Front Psychol, 2020;11:481176.
PMID: 33584393 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.481176

Objectives: This study aimed to describe the experiences and challenges faced by adolescents with moderate and severe congenital heart defects (CHD) or Chronic Rheumatic Heart Disease (CRHD) and to determine their needs in order to develop an Adolescent Transition Psychoeducational Program.
Methods: The study involved seven adolescents with moderate to severe CHD/CRHD, six parents, and four health care providers in Institute Jantung Negara (National Heart Institute). Participants were invited for a semi-structured interview. Qualitative data were analyzed through the Atlas.ti 7 program using triangulation methods.
Results/conclusions: We identified five themes concerning the experience and challenges of adolescents relating to: (1) emotional/psychological issues; (2) the progress of the illness; (3) relationship issues; (4) future preparation; and, (5) school and community. These themes were identified together with eleven subcategories. The staff expressed support for the development of the Adolescent Transition Psychoeducational Program and adolescents with CHD/CRHD and their parents were willing to participate in the program if their schedule allowed. Their suggestions to improve the program were classified into six categories, with two main themes, (1) the self-management of illness in life and the future; and, (2) social support. In conclusion, the findings from the situation analysis act as a basis for a conceptual framework that will contribute to the development of an Adolescent Transition Psychoeducational Program that aims to empower adolescents with CHD/CRHD, enabling them to manage challenges during the transition phase between childhood and adulthood.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools
Fulltext Descriptive study on the medical students well-being workshop

Yusoff MSB, Abdul Rahim AF

Education in Medicine Journal, 2009;1(1):1-6.
MyJurnal

Background: Tertiary education environment has always been regarded as highly stressful to students. Medical training further adds to the already stressful environment. The stress of medical training was associated with negative consequences to the mental and physical health of medical students. We describe in this article a stress-management program known as the 'Medical Student Well-Being Workshop' in our medical school.

Methodology: The workshop was run over two half-days over a weekend. Prior to the workshop the society announced the workshop to the students and participation was voluntary. It was open to students from all years of the medical course except for first year students. A separate stress management workshop is planned for them.

Results: A total of 55 students participated in the workshop, out of which 55 (82%) were female students. The years of study were almost equally represented; 14 students (26%) from years two and three, 20 (37%) from year four and 6 (11%) from year five. All sessions were rated as highly useful; the lowest rated, the introduction session, obtained an overall usefulness rating of 3.73 out of the possible 5 (74.6%).

Conclusion: Medical Students Well-being Workshop is a promising intervention program in improving medical students' ability in managing stress. Perhaps similar approach can be considered relevant to be incorporated in other medical schools.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools, Medical
Fulltext The effectiveness of a DEAL-Based intervention to reduce stress and depression symptoms

Muhamad Saiful Bahri Yusoff, Mohd Jamil Yaacob, Nyi, Nyi Naing, Abdul Rahman Esa

Education in Medicine Journal, 2015;7(1):1-15.
MyJurnal

Many researchers have emphasized the importance of teaching stress management and self-care skills to medical students as they are vulnerable to develop psychological health problems. The researchers designed a 4-hour intervention based on the DEAL model to address these problems. This study aimed to determine outcomes of the DEAL-based intervention on medical students’ stress, anxiety and depression symptoms. Methods: A randomized controlled trial study was conducted on 171 medical students. Their stress, anxiety and depression symptoms were measured by the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale at five intervals; at 2 weeks before the intervention, and at 1 week, 8 weeks, 16 weeks and 32 weeks after the intervention. The mixed model ANCOVA was applied to determine the effect of the intervention on the participants’ psychological health at five intervals. Results: A total of 153 medical students (intervention = 73 and control = 80) completed this study. Results showed that the intervention group experienced significantly lower stress and depression symptoms than the control group. Although anxiety scores are consistently lower in the intervention group, no significant differences between groups were found. Conclusion: These results support the favourable outcomes of the intervention on psychological health of medical students. It is a promising intervention to be considered by medical schools as it consumes minimal amount of time, money, training and man power as well can be implemented easily.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools, Medical
Fulltext Prevalence of voice disorder among primary school teachers in Bintulu, Sarawak

RoscellaInja, Abdul Rahman H

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2016;16(Suppl 2):89-98.
MyJurnal

Teachers face one of the highest demands of any professional group to use their voices at work. Thus, they are at
higher risk of developing voice disorder than the general population. The consequences of voice disorder may have
impact on teacher’s social and professional life as well as their mental, physical and emotional state and their
ability to communicate. Objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence of voice disorder and the
relationship between voice disorder with associated risk factors such as teaching activities and lifestyle factors
among primary school teachers in Bintulu, Sarawak. A cross sectional study was conducted based on random sample
of 4 primary schools in Bintulu, Sarawak between January-March 2014. A total of 100 full-time primary school
teachers were invited to participate in the study. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire
addressing the prevalence of voice disorder and potential risk factors. Descriptive analysis and chi-square test was
used to measure the relationship between voice disorder and associated risk factors. The response rate for this study
was 78% (78/100). The study found that the prevalence of voice disorder among primary school teachers in Bintulu,
Sarawak was 13%. Chi-square test results revealed that factors significantly associated with voice disorder (p

Matched MeSH terms: Schools
Fulltext The relationship between co-curricular management and secondary school student involvement in co-curricular activities

Sheila Michael, Abdul Said Ambotang

Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2019;4(7):202-207.
MyJurnal

This concept paper aims to discuss the relationship between co-curricular management with student involvement in secondary school. Student involvement in co-curricular activities can shape the overall personality of the students. This can be highlighted through excellent co-curricular management. Cocurricular managers play a key role in the success of the engagement. Student engagement excellence is closely related to co-curricular management. The higher co-curricular management effectiveness is, the greater impact it has on student engagement. The implementation of management is based on the objectives and capabilities of the students to enhance the knowledge, skills and values learned. Therefore, co-curricular management is related to student involvement in co-curricular activities.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools
Hearing health information in Malaysian public schools: a step towards addressing a public health concern

Zakaria NA, Maamor N, Abdul Wahat NH

Int J Audiol, 2021 12;60(12):1009-1015.
PMID: 33752568 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2021.1896791

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine hearing-related information in public school textbooks in Malaysia to gain insight into the country's hearing health education.
DESIGN: Qualitative content analysis on all textbooks used in Malaysian public schools in the year 2019 were conducted to identify the content and structure of information delivery through 11 years of formal education. Information related to hearing health was extracted and categorised according to the themes that emerged. Further analysis was done to characterise the usefulness of the information in promoting active hearing care based on the type of information delivered.
STUDY SAMPLE: A total of 148 elementary and secondary school textbooks were reviewed.
RESULTS: Fourteen textbooks (4 elementary and 10 secondary levels) were found to have relevant hearing health information covering topics of sound, ear and hearing, noise and hearing loss. The contents were mostly theoretical and lacked information about noise-induced hearing loss and proper hearing care.
CONCLUSION: Minimal hearing health information was present in the Malaysian school curriculum. The content was inadequate for teaching students about hearing loss prevention. Areas of improvement and research are recommended to improve school-based hearing health education in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools*
Fulltext Problem Based Learning As Perceived By Medical Students in a Non-Problem Based Medical Curriculum

Naznin, M., Pakeer-Oothuman, Nasuruddin, B.A., Abdul-Wahab, J.

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2008;7(1):0-0.
MyJurnal

Background: The Medical Faculty of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) runs an undergraduate medical programme which is a combination of the traditional and the newer trends of medical curriculum. The IIUM curriculum in Phase I (Years 1, 2: preclinical) is integrated organ system based, with lectures being the main method of curriculum delivery and also incorporating problem-based learning (PBL) as one of the teaching-learning approaches. Methods: The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of PBL teaching-learning method in IIUM in achieving the aims of the medical school as viewed by the students. A total of 287 students from Phase I and Phase II (Year 3: clinical) participated in this study at the end of academic session 2006/2007. The questionnaires distributed consisted of 33 items with four different aspects of PBL being evaluated namely; i) PBL objectives, ii) assessment of performance of the facilitators, iii) assessment of the PBL packages and iv) preferred teaching-learning approach. Results: An average of 86.4 % of students agreed that PBL sessions achieved its aims of preparing students for professional training in the clinical years. Also approximately 80% of students felt that the facilitators fulfilled their roles as PBL tutors. Students were generally satisfied with the PBL packages prepared. However about 50% of Year 2 students did not look forward to PBL sessions and only about 20% of preclinical students wanted more PBL sessions to be scheduled. This latter finding differed as 60% of the clinical (Year 3) students wanted more PBL sessions to be implemented. A significant proportion of the students also believed that they needed some prior information about the PBL case in question in order to generate lively exchange of ideas in the first sessions. Preclinical students preferred lectured-based approach as compared to PBL in contrast to the clinical (Year 3) students of whom 57% (62) preferred the PBL teaching-learning approach. Nearly 80% of the Year 3 students found the exposure to PBL sessions during their preclinical years beneficial during the clinical year. Discussion: Although our findings supported the effectiveness of PBL as one of the teaching-learning approaches (as perceived by our students) there are a few areas of concern. These include believing that a prior knowledge of the topic in question is needed to generate a lively discussion; the group not being motivated; the group members confining themselves to individual assignments only; PBL not being supportive of on-going self- assessment; the consequence of a facilitator being too dominant; and cases constructed do not reflect real clinical scenarios. Despite agreeing to its effectiveness preclinical students still preferred lecture-based approach to the PBL as they are more confident with the knowledge as obtained through the former learning modality. Conclusion: PBL is an effective learning strategy and it contributes to the teaching-learning process of IIUM undergraduate preclinical medical programme which implements a non-Problem Based Curriculum. We are of the opinion that a combination of lecture sessions and PBL best suit the IIUM medical students.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools, Medical

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