Changing teaching strategies and lecture preparation to improve medical students’ knowledge acquisition and retention

Abstract Background of the study: Lecturers are driven by a passion for transferring knowledge to students. However, the teaching and learning process is often carried out in a tight schedule, causing lecturers to overpack lectures to cover the necessary learning outcomes. Due to the extensive medical curriculum and time constraints, students must endure long, boring, and demotivating lectures, affecting their ability to acquire and retain knowledge. Problem Statement: Medical Students’ failure to engage in long crammed lectures affected their ability to acquire, recall and retain new knowledge. Therefore, it is imperative to find new teaching strategies to create a meaningful learning experience and improve student engagement, knowledge acquisition and retention. Aim: Explore new teaching and lecture preparation skills to help students acquire and retain knowledge when learning complex concepts. Objective: To adopt suitable teaching strategies and improve lecture preparation skills to help students acquire and retain knowledge. Study questions: 1. Why the change in teaching strategies and lecture preparation can help students acquire and retain knowledge? 2. How did the change in teaching strategies and lecture preparation help improving students’ knowledge acquisition and retention? Literature Review and Underlying Theories: Two theories underlying this action research are Cognitive Load Theory and Knowles’ adult learning theory. Methodology: Mixed-method action research was adopted, and third-year medical students were recruited for this study. Results and Analysis: The findings revealed that apart from the students’ increased levels of satisfaction and engagement with the learning process, there was a significant improvement in their ability to acquire and retain knowledge. Conclusion: Changing how complex concepts are taught using different teaching strategies and lecture preparation could improve students’ learning experience and help improve knowledge acquisition and retention

Holistic obstetrics and gynaecology mind maps teaching an easy-to-use tool provides equality of learning, teaching, and assessment

Aim: A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the learning benefits of holistic Obstetrics and Gynaecology mind maps (HOGMMs) in acquiring a range of clinical skills, standardizing assessment, and teaching methods. Methodology: HOGMMs were developed and had been used as a teaching tool for Year 3 medical students (n=113) for 6 months in between January and July 2016 as a tool to assist their learning during their Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OG) rotation. The HOGMMs were taught to all Year 3 medical students and a soft copy of the tool was shared with them as a reference for their use during their clinical placement in OG rotation. After the completion of their OG rotation, students were invited to complete a questionnaire assessing perceived benefits for skill acquisition, and standardizing assessment and teaching methods. Results: The majority of students believed HOGMMs was a useful learning tool across a range of parameters (min = 59%; n = 96). Students who believed HOGMMs to be useful for standardising assessment were more likely to report mutual benefits in terms of student learning (χ2=35.836; P=0.0005) and standardising teaching methods (χ2=20.256; P =0.0005). Conclusion: This study suggests that students’ value our HOGMM’s not only for developing clinical skills but also standardising assessment and teaching methods

Stress and depression among infertile couples: A cross-sectional study from a government fertility clinic

Background: Infertility is usually associated with long-term stress, which can manifest as anxiety and depressive symptoms. The goal of this study is to look into the emotional well-being of couples dealing with infertility challenges, as well as to look into the causes of anxiety and despair in these couples. Methods: The research was conducted in a government clinic set up at New Delhi, India with the participation of two hundred couples (400 participants), who were attending there for treatment purposes. The Fertility Problem Inventory (FPI) and the Hamilton Depression Score (HAM-D) were utilized to develop the questionnaire. We also interviewed our subjects to find out more about their sociodemographic and fertility-related characteristics. To evaluate our hypotheses, we used independent-samples t-tests (M SD) and the chi-square test. The objective of the study: The study\u27s goal was to assess the stress and sadness experienced by infertile couples who visited government infertility clinics, as well as to determine the independent variables that may have been associated with infertility. These characteristics included age, sex, educational qualification, profession, infertility period, and type of family. Results: Infertile women were younger (48% were in 26 to 30 years), while 40% of men were 31-35 years old. However, females experienced a much lower level of psychological well-being. Anxiety and depression in infertile couples were linked with age, marriage duration, social issues, sexual issues, and marital relationship tension. Financial stress was also associated with trait anxiety. Our method could explain 58 percent of the variance in depressive symptoms and 62 percent of the variance in anxiety-related symptoms. Conclusions: Symptoms of depression and anxiety in infertile couples were present prominently. It caused an impact on marital & sexual relationships. It is essential to encourage the monitoring of these markers as well as the treatment of underlying stress through suitable psychological therapies

Pharmacotherapeutics Efficacy in Obesity Treatment: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Obesity is a public health concern on a global scale, obesity can lead to significant risk of developing various comorbidities. Lifestyle interventions along with surgical and medical approaches are the primary options for obesity treatment. This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmacological interventions for weight loss in adults with obesity. Methods: A systematic search review was carried out from January 2018 to December 2022. The search for relevant articles was conducted through PubMed and EBSCO databases. 2290 articles were retrieved and evaluated based on the established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Among them, 362 articles were duplicates and subsequently removed. Further, 1893 articles failed to meet the inclusion criteria and were excluded from this review. Consequently, 35 articles were considered for the review. Results: Pharmacologic interventions showed good efficacy in treating obesity. Glucagon-like peptide1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists showed the highest efficacy. Other options including sodium glucose cotransporter (SGLT) Inhibitors, orlistat, phentermine/topiramate, metformin, tirzepatide, Gelesis100 also demonstrated efficacy to various degrees. The safety profile of these interventions was generally good with gastrointestinal symptoms being the most frequently reported adverse events in almost all the included interventions. Neurological symptoms were the most frequently reported in phentermine/topiramate. Conclusion: This review, in agreement with prior research, indicates that medications can effectively treat obesity with a favorable safety profile. Thus, pharmacotherapy presents a promising, safe, and effective method to achieve weight loss, indicating its potential to play a significant role in the future

Comparing psychological impacts on male partners after experiencing various types of early pregnancy loss: A systematic literature review

Introduction: Early pregnancy loss is still arguably considered primarily a "women\u27s issue"; unfortunately, no acknowledgment of the male partners’ involvement. We aim to explore various psychological impacts on male partners after experiencing different types of early pregnancy loss to invite medical practitioners to recognise male partners in the early pregnancy loss process. Methodology: The OVID MEDLINE\uae database was searched from 1946 until August Week 2 of 2020. The Embase database was searched from 1974 until Week 34 of 2020. 2458 papers (1236 from OVID MEDLINE\uae without Revisions; 1222 from Embase) were retrieved, and forty-two (42) papers were accepted. Due to inadequate coverage from both databases on molar and ectopic pregnancies, six (6) from Google Scholar were added, and 48 articles were finalised for further review. Articles were summarised, reviewed qualitatively and themes extracted. Results: Male partners express diverse feelings in different types of early pregnancy loss, such as grief, sadness, depression, anguish, and devastation. However, relief was experienced in some conditions. Different feelings are experienced in specific types of loss. Conclusion: Male partner\u27 emotional responses are often overlooked. Their psychological well-being needs acknowledgment and including them in the process of managing early pregnancy los

Identification, disclosure and education support of domestic violence and sexual abuse (DVSA) victims

Aim: Supporting Domestic violence and sexual abuse (DVSA) victims at education paradigm. Objective: To find practical methods of disclosing, identifying, and supporting DVSA victims in the education paradigm. Methodology: A phenomenological descriptive literature review study explores what is known from different authors about identification, influence, disclosure tools and support of DVSA victims to clarify the phenomenon, approaches of disclosure tools and victims’ support at education paradigm. Conclusion: Improving factual knowledge and awareness among students and teachers. National policies are mandating the teaching of violence prevention in the national curricula, allocation of budgets, and resources. The need for more comprehensive studies on this subject, educating educators about this paradigm, structuring effective practical disclosure aids, and raising funds and professionals for highly flexible individualised methods of victim’s support. Recommendations Tools chosen should consider the target population, screeners’ skills and experience, and the evaluation’s objective and context. Educators and healthcare providers must ensure that adequate referral and follow-up are provided to those identified through screening to ensure the efficacy of DVSA interventions. Teacher’s lack of confidence, conviction, and expertise could jeopardise the intended message; educator’s training is recommended. To establish DVSA forum at educational institutes, starting with the “digital generation” at tertiary education or secondary and lower educational levels. Students can write, discuss, share, and disclose at this forum anonymously. The details are accessed by a specialised individual who can implement policies and communicate with students who disclosed the information or are suspected of DVSA

Considering psychological support for male partners during the management of early pregnancy loss

Introduction: Pregnancy loss is a phenomenon mostly researched from the perspectives of expectant mothers. Nevertheless, the loss is equally a painful experience for the male partners as well. Therefore, excluding them during early pregnancy loss management has created a research gap that needs to be addressed. Methodology: This review analysed international guidelines on early pregnancy loss management to understand the consideration of male partner management during the early pregnancy loss process. The research team reviewed twelve (12) international guidelines written in English from official websites until August 2020. Through this review, the research team answered the study’s research question and aim. Results: There are limited guidelines and no clear protocols in involving, care, counselling, or support of male partners during or after the process or even psychological care for males victimised by early pregnancy loss. In general, specific guidelines considering male partners with specifications on each time loss are necessary to provide sufficient emotional and psychological support. Molar and ectopic pregnancies’ impact on men must be investigated further. Insufficient recognition and support provided to the grieving couples post an early pregnancy loss for men. Society and healthcare providers and practitioners must pay attention to the lack of support given post-loss, especially male partners. Conclusion and Recommendations: Thorough steps need to be taken to acknowledge the gravity of including male partners in early pregnancy loss management and validating that they are also emotionally affected like their women partners. Specific guidelines, which include male partners, are recommended for the management of early pregnancy loss

Patients’ impact on the hidden curriculum of medical students a qualitative study on undergraduate medical students

Aim: To explore and understand professional practice development through medical students’ observation of patient’s responses towards the medical students, illness, and hospital staff. Methodology: Semi-structured focused group discussions were conducted between 3rd September 2019 and 3rd May 2020 using non-probability purposive sampling. Three focused groups were conducted with fourth year medical students (n=19) to discuss about their third-year clinical placement experience. The focused group discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis framework to label the concepts, attached code to the data, and the codes were subsequently grouped into similar themes. Themes that emerged from the interpretation of the coded data were identified. Results: Four main themes emerged from the focus groups: (1) Student’s observation on patient’s responses towards students, illness, and staff; (2) Patient’s perspectives towards students; (3) Students were affected by the experience; and (4) Factors influencing patient’s responses to students, illness, and staff. The impact of patient’s behaviour has influenced students’ professional practice in two ways. The first impact is collaboration of students’ observation during clinical placement with what has been learned through the written curriculum. The second impact is through a hidden curriculum. Conclusions: The hidden curriculum has influenced our students’ learning through observation of new aspects and implementation of the learned written curriculum. Students can aspire medical educators, doctors, and medical staff to adopt approaches and attitudes that have a positive impact on students’ professional practice and to acknowledge that they are the role models for the new generation’s learning through the hidden curriculum

Trends of obesity and abdominal obesity in Tehranian adults: a cohort study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Considering the increasing trend of obesity reported in current data, this study was conducted to examine trends of obesity and abdominal obesity among Tehranian adults during a median follow-up of 6.6 years.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Height and weight of 4402 adults, aged 20 years and over, participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS), were measured in 1999-2001(phase I) and again in 2002-2005(phase II) and 2006-2008 (phase III). Criteria used for obesity and abdominal obesity defined body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 and waist circumference ≥ 94/80 cm for men/women respectively. Subjects were divided into10-year groups and the prevalence of obesity was compared across sex and age groups.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The prevalence of obesity was 15.8, 18.6 and 21% in men and 31.5, 37.7 and 38.6% in women in phases I, II and III respectively (p < 0.001). The prevalence of abdominal obesity in men was 36.5, 57.2 and 63.3% and in women was 76.7, 83.8 and 83.6% in the three periods mentioned (p < 0.001). Men aged between 20-29 years had highest increase rates of obesity and abdominal obesity in phase III in comparison with phase I (with a respective rates of 2.2- and 3.3-fold). In both sexes, an increased trend was observed between phases I and II, whereas between phases II and III, this trend was observed in men, but not in women.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This study demonstrates alarming rises in the prevalences of both obesity and abdominal obesity in both sexes especially in young men, calling for urgent action to educate people in lifestyle modifications.</p