Survey of Opinions of Medical Students on Pharmacology Education in a Nigerian Medical School

Pharmacology education aimed at equipping learners with the knowledge and skills for safe and effective use of medications through rational prescribing. This study was carried out among fourth year medical students of a Nigerian medical school at the end of pharmacology postings to understand their opinion about the pharmacology education received with the goal of improving. A cross sectional survey of the opinions of the medical students obtained through a self-administered questionnaire that sought information was obtained on various aspects of the pharmacology education received. Results were summarized with descriptive statistics using SPSS version 17.O. Continuous variables were expressed as means (standard deviation), categorical variables as proportions. A total of 40 students completed the survey in a class of 67 students (60% response rate) with mean age of 23.2+ 2.6 years and 49% females.  Pharmacology was found difficult by 47.5% while only 32.4% felt prepared for rationale prescribing after the course.Aspects of pharmacology found most interesting were: None (17%), Antihypertensive drugs (17%), Other Cardiovascular (CVS) pharmacology topics (12%) and Practical sessions (12%) while aspects found most challenging and difficult were: Cancer chemotherapy (27.5%), drug names (12.5%), All aspects (10%) and 5% each for Central Nervous System, CVS, Antiretroviral drugs and None. Suggestions from respondents included preference for integrated and problem-solving approach to learning with clinical applications, more practical sessions, seminars and tutorials, teaching of drug doses, indications and trade names of commonly used drugs and better approach to teaching especially for the perceived challenging topics. The findings suggest a need for critical review of pharmacology education being received by the medical students towards improved outcomes