Interprofessional learning experiences: Exploring the perception and attitudes of Saudi Arabian medical and dental students.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the awareness and attitudes of medical and dental students regarding interprofessional learning (IPL). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 278 female undergraduate Medical and Dental students from Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh. These students undertook IPL in the Foundation block, in basic science teaching, clinical skills' laboratories and in professionalism and learning skills' modules. A modified, validated RIPLS questionnaire with four subscales and 29 items was used to collect data regarding their perception and attitudes towards shared learning. A five-point Likert scale was used with a value ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree) for each item. Factor analysis was done using Varimox rotation. Student's t test was applied to detect difference between mean scores of medical and dental student's responses Results: The mean age of respondents was 19.8 ± 1.7 years with the majority in the second year of each program. There was no difference in mean responses of the medical and dental students. The respondents favored shared learning in the areas of professional skills and patient care. They agreed that IPL helps to develop respect, trust and appreciation for other professions; however, both groups preferred to learn uni-professionally with regard to developing discrete professional identities and roles. CONCLUSIONS: There is an overall positive response towards IPL and the value of team work; however, more attention needs to be paid to enabling students to learn about the specific roles of each profession in the healthcare team.

Impact of alterations in teaching methodologies on learning capabilities.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the role of new approaches and methods in the development of understanding and learning capabilities of undergraduate medical students in the module of respiratory physiology. METHODS: A comparative cross sectional study was conducted in Bahria Univiersity Medical & Dental College using a sample size of 198 students from February till May 2010. Difficulties in understanding the concepts of respiratory physiology was analyzed in groups A (Batch 2008-2013) and assessed through test performance. In group B (Batch 2009-2014) "integrated learner-and teacher-centered" approach was implemented by introduction of problem based learning, case based sessions, students seminar, quizzes and structured assignments. Response of group B students was evaluated in terms of concepts and performance by identical feedback form and assessment test. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 15.0 and applying the Chi-square test. RESULTS: The mean age of Karachi students of Groups A and B was 20 +/- 2 years. Statistically significant improvement in conceptual understanding of Group B (84%) was noticed compared to Group A (42%). Conceptual understanding of Group B (84%) was observed, as compared to Group A (42%) CONCLUSION: Supplementation of teaching methodologies with augmented interaction improved significant learning, performance and satisfaction among group B students.

Relationship of life style choices on body fat mass in young adults.

BACKGROUND: Healthy diets and regular, adequate physical activity are major factors in the promotion and maintenance of good health throughout entire life course. Accumulation of fat occurs whenever energy consumed by food and drinks exceeds that which can be utilised by an individual's metabolism and physical activity. The objective of this study was to estimate the effect of lifestyle characteristics of a representative segment of medical students in terms of fast food preferences and participation in physical activity with respect to Body Mass Index (BMI). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Physiology Department, Bahria University Medical & Dental College, Karachi on 192 students of 1st and 2nd year MBBS. Body Mass index of students was calculated. They were classified into 4 groups with BMI < or = 18.5, 18.6-23, 23.1-25 and > or = 25 respectively. A life style questionnaire, based on preferences for healthy/unhealthy food, dietary habits and participation in physical activity was filled. RESULTS: Most of medical students (65%) had BMI less than 23. It was because of selection of healthy dietary pattern with nutritious food (p < 0.09) and participation in outdoor games (p < 0.03). Males who had high BMI showed a tendency to daily intake of fast food (p < 0.03). Walking in both the sexes had a positive impact in maintaining normal BMI (p = Males < 0.04, females < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Obesity can be prevented by innovative approaches, easiest of which is to promote active life styles with intake of healthy diet and involvement in physical activity.

Overweight and obesity in students of a dental college of Karachi: lifestyle influence and measurement by an appropriate anthropometric index.

OBJECTIVE: To compare body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and body fat percentage (%BF), as index of overweight and obesity in young adults. We also intended to find an association between lifestyle behaviours and obesity. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Fatima Jinnah Dental College, Karachi, during 2007 to 2008, with 192 first year dental students, (18-21years) of high socioeconomic class. All were questioned regarding lifestyle behaviours. Overweight and obesity were estimated by measuring %BF, BMI, and WC. For %BF, skinfold thickness was measured using skinfold calipers. BMI > or = 23.0-24.9 kg/m2 was taken as overweight and > or = 25.0 kg/m2 as obese (Asians criteria proposed by Western Pacific Regional Office of World Health Organization). WC using Asian cutoff values for overweight and obesity were: males > or = 78 cm and > or = 90 cm; females > or = 72 cm and > or = 80 cm, respectively. Body fat percentage used to define overweight and obesity was: males 22.1-27.0 and > 27.1; females 27.1-32.0 and > 32.1, respectively. Pearson's correlation was done between the BMI, WC and %BF with statistical significance taken at P < 0.01. RESULTS: BMI (Expressed as mean +/- SD) in males and females was 23.82 +/- 3.88 and 20.98 +/- 4.12 respectively. WC was 83.63 +/- 10.20 cm in males and 70.22 +/- 9.36 cm in females. %BF was 22.32 +/- 6.27 in males and 28.73 +/- 6.65 in females, with an overall 60.8% females and 44.4% males found to be overweight or obese. Obesity was underpredicted by BMI when compared to skinfold calipers method. The obese were seen to skip breakfast more often [odds ratio (OR): 2.39], take frequent snacks (OR: 1.58), watch television more (OR: 1.58), and were physically less active than their non-obese counterparts. CONCLUSION: Body fat percentage using skinfold caliper is a reliable index of obesity. Lack of sleep and skipping of breakfast, are prominent promoters of obesity, in addition to other lifestyle behaviours.