Knowledge about heart attack and hypertension among individuals attending a cardiac camp in Pokhara city.

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies in other countries had shown lacunae in patients' and general publics' understanding of cardiovascular diseases. Such studies are lacking in Nepal. Hence the present study was carried out to: a) note the respondent's knowledge regarding myocardial infarction and hypertension and b) note the association, if any, of the knowledge with demographic and personal characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Respondents attending a cardiac camp organized in the Manipal Teaching hospital during September 2002 were interviewed by previously briefed seventh semester students using a structured questionnaire. Basic demographic information and knowledge about myocardial infarction and hypertension was collected. The median score was calculated. Differences in scores among different subgroups of respondents were noted using appropriate statistical tests (p<0.05). RESULTS: Sixty-six respondents were interviewed; 44 were male. The knowledge scores for heart attack and hypertension were 6 (maximum score 8) and 11 (maximum score 14) respectively. The scores were significantly lower among respondents with a monthly family income below 2000 rupees and was higher among respondents/family members suffering from cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSION: The respondents were aware of the basic facts regarding myocardial infarction and hypertension. However, lacunae in knowledge were noted. Further studies are required.

Student attitudes towards communication skills training in a medical college in Western Nepal.

CONTEXT: Previous studies have shown that students have both positive and negative attitudes towards communication skills training. However, studies in Nepal are lacking. OBJECTIVES: The present study was carried out to determine the positive and negative attitudes of student respondents using the previously validated communication skills attitude scale (CSAS) (see Appendix). METHODS: The study was carried out among third- and fourth-semester students at the Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal. These students are in the pre-clinical part of their course and learn the basic science subjects through an integrated, system-based curriculum. Gender, age, nationality of the respondents, occupation of parents, medium of instruction at school, attitude towards communication skills training during the clinical years, and self-rating of communication abilities were recorded. Association of the positive and negative attitudes with these variables was determined using appropriate statistical tests (p < 0.05). FINDINGS: A total of 123 students participated in the study; 74 (60.2%) were male, and 104 (84.5%) had studied in English-medium schools. The median positive attitude score was 51 (inter-quartile range 7). Nationality and attitude towards communication skills training during the clinical years showed a significant association. The mean negative attitude scale score was 31.18 (SD = 4.96). A significant association was noted with attitude towards communication skills training during the clinical years. Both scales range from 13-65, with higher scores indicating stronger attitudes. CONCLUSIONS: Communication skills training should be modified and strengthened. Formal courses during the clinical years are required. Training sessions for the faculty and further studies across different semesters and in different medical colleges in Nepal are needed.

Initiating and strengthening medical student research: time to take up the gauntlet.

Self-directed learning and evidence-based medicine are becoming increasingly important in medical education. Medical student research projects can enable students to learn research methodologies and critical analysis skills. Medical schools in developed countries have introduced research programmes for medical students. A few medical colleges in developing countries have initiated student research programmes. South Asia has a huge population and massive health problems and research may be helpful in finding solutions. Student research can contribute to the published output of institutions. Research projects can help students to develop critical analysis skills, teach them to write for peer-reviewed publications and can foster student-faculty interaction. In Nepal, opportunities and funding for research are limited. Principles of scientific research should be taught to students. A community research project should be made compulsory. Funding for research should be boosted and infrastructure strengthened. Faculty members actively involved in research can serve as powerful 'role models'. Marks should be allotted for research projects and students must be encouraged to publish their findings. Publications and projects should be considered during admission to postgraduate courses. Student research should be initiated, actively pursued and strengthened.

Cephalic index of Gurung community of Nepal--an anthropometric study.

Cephalic Index (CI) is useful in differentiation of racial and sexual differences. There is no published literature about CI of Gurung community in Nepal. Hence, we under took this study to document the cephalometric characteristics and gender differences in CI of a Gurung community. Head length, head breadth and CI were determined for 267 subjects of Gurung village. The mean CI for male was 83.1 and for female 84.6 which was statistically significant. On comparison with the existing literature the Gurung community can be categorized as brachycephalic and the data presented can be useful for experts in forensic science.