RESUMO
At a medical school in India, undergraduates have been given the opportunity to volunteer to conduct research as a means of improving their knowledge and understanding of epidemiology. First-year clinical students have conducted case-control studies with emphasis on methodological detail. Second-year students have been involved in community-based epidemiological studies. At the intern level, projects related to social factors in health and disease and to health administration have been encouraged. This initiative has been largely welcomed by the students and has yielded highly encouraging results.
PIP: Starting in 1985, at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry, India, modifications concerning teaching community medicine and epidemiology were introduced. Students were encouraged to conduct epidemiological investigations for better understanding of the subject. First-year students were free to participate in a hospital-based case control study involving 3-7 students over a period of 6-8 months. 5 projects were completed between 1990 and 1992 pertaining to risk factor analysis in oral cancers, protein-energy malnutrition, myocardial infarction, birth asphyxia, and cervical carcinoma. Methodology included objectives, review of the literature, definitions, questionnaires, and statistical methods. Faculty members monitored progress. Each student made a presentation to a gathering of 1st- and 2nd-year students and answered their questions. 2nd-year students undertook projects in community medicine lasting 2 months during vacation. Each student had a separate project of value for planning urban and rural field practice areas. Between 1987 and 1992, field studies were carried out on immunization coverage and mothers' knowledge about child immunization; the prevalence of caries among preschool children; cultural and economic factors affecting pregnancy; the epidemiology of cataract; blood pressure and hypertension; the nutritional status of preschool and school-age children; and drug compliance by leprosy patients. Case school studies were also undertaken on risk-factor analysis of low birth weight; factors affecting the acceptance of tubectomy; and treatment-seeking behavior among patients with cervical carcinoma. Similar public presentations were made. Interns were invited to assist in difficult subjects. A hospital study was completed by 2 students on injections given unnecessarily to children aged under 5 years. 111 out of 149 1st- year students questioned stated that they had gained knowledge and skills. Benefits reported included improved thinking, communication, statistical knowledge, understanding of human behavior, and a social view on health and disease.