A Call for Action for Mental Health: Medical Students and Physicians' roles

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Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) in the International Journal of Medical Students

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Red Eye: Next Steps for Conducting Research in Knowledge, Attitude and Practice in Ophthalmology

Background: Research in Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) in health sciences is relevant to health care providers and patients to identify factors to address educational interventions.Methods: A pilot study based on surveys amongst participants in a medical update conference in Cali, Colombia, was conducted to estimate participants’ knowledge on red eye in 2011.Results: The population was composed of medical students and general practitioners, with 72.7% of students being in their final year of their training. The classification of red eye was correct in 47% of respondents and we found errors in the classification of emergency, glaucoma and uveitis.Conclusions: Further research proposals in KAP are required for the recognition of this medical education indicator

Bibliometric Studies in CIMEL: A Latin-American Medical Student Journal and the Future of Bibliometric Publications

Background: Bibliometric or scientometric studies are methodological fields focused on the structural analysis of the information contai­ned in scientific publication and generate indicators that help identify challenges and achievements in research. We aimed to characterize the publications that used this method authored by medical students in Latin America. Methods: We reviewed articles that performed a bibliometric analysis and were published in a Latin American medical student journal, between 2001 and 2012. We analyzed the characte­ristics of the articles, authors and references. Linear simple regression and Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) were developed to identify trends and correlations with 95% confidence. Results: There were 12 volumes of the journal available online, with a total of 236 articles. Of these, 13 (5.5%) were bibliometric studies: five original articles, four letters to the editor, two editorials, one short communication, and one review. There was a positive significant relationship between time (years) and number of publications (ß1=0.16, p=0.03, PCC=63%), and citations of each article (not significant, ß1=1.3, p=0.09, PCC=49%). Conclusion: There was an increase in the number of bibliometric publications after 2008, possibly influenced by a popularization of these types of studies in Latin America. Findings should motivate new and collaborative studies in this field. Moreover, it will be necessary to clarify publication areas of interest of medical students around the world

Recommendations for Future Articles on Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices in IJMS

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Traumatic Brain Injury in Honduras: The Use of a Paper‑based Surveillance System to Characterize Injuries Patterns

Background: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Violence is the leading cause of mortality in Honduras. However, the incidence and impact of TBI in this low-middle income country (LMIC) is unknown. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiology of TBI in Honduras, as captured by an injury surveillance tool in the country’s major referral center. Methods: We conducted a cross‑sectional review of all TBI‑related emergency department visits at the main referral hospital in Honduras from January to December 2013. We calculated descriptive statistics from Injury Surveillance System (InSS) data. Results: Of 17,971 total injuries seen in 2013, 20% were traumatic brain injuries (n=3,588). The main mechanisms of injury were falls (41.11%), road traffic (23.91%), blunt trauma (20.82%), penetrating knife injuries (5.85%), and firearm injuries (2.26%). Most TBI were classified as mild; 99.69% (Glasgow Coma Scale=15). Emergency room mortality was low (1.11%). The modified Kampala Trauma Score median was 8 (interquartile range 7-8). Conclusion: Mild TBI accounts for a significant percentage of all injuries presenting to a high-volume referral center in Honduras in 2013. Despite the high incidence of violence in this country, most TBI were accidental, secondary to road traffic accidents and falls. There is required further research with more recent data as well as with prospective data collection methods

Transparency in the International Journal of Medical Students

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Thinking Globally in the Pursuit of Individual Identity: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the International Journal of Medical Students (IJMS)

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are core values that are unequivocally essential to healthcare research and practice. However, global health inequities remain pervasive and disruptive to the delivery of healthcare. This unacceptable lack of inclusivity and equity infiltrates all aspects of medicine, including research and publication. Accordingly, there is a dissemination of unbalanced and homogenous perspectives which are not representative of the global population. The International Journal of Medical Students (IJMS) has strived to counter such biases through the development of content and the process of its publication. Further, the selection of its editorial team and ambassadors is conducted with the intention of diversity. We respect individual differences and celebrate them as strengths adding to the quality of our journal. Therefore, the IJMS has taken a positive step toward an equitable environment by publishing a policy statement on DEI. We hope to lead by example by fostering a culture of inclusivity for all researchers, regardless of background. Though, we recognize the complexity of implementing comprehensive DEI practices and consider it our duty to the community that we continuously develop through a dedicated effort and iterative process

Poster Presentations: A Presenting Opportunity in Conferences for Medical Students

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