Dataset Information

Computer literacy among first year medical students in a developing country: a cross sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The use of computer assisted learning (CAL) has enhanced undergraduate medical education. CAL improves performance at examinations, develops problem solving skills and increases student satisfaction. The study evaluates computer literacy among first year medical students in Sri Lanka.

Methods

The study was conducted at Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka between August-September 2008. First year medical students (n = 190) were invited for the study. Data on computer literacy and associated factors were collected by an expert-validated pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. Computer literacy was evaluated by testing knowledge on 6 domains; common software packages, operating systems, database management and the usage of internet and E-mail. A linear regression was conducted using total score for computer literacy as the continuous dependant variable and other independent covariates.

Results

Sample size-181 (Response rate-95.3%), 49.7% were Males. Majority of the students (77.3%) owned a computer (Males-74.4%, Females-80.2%). Students have gained their present computer knowledge by; a formal training programme (64.1%), self learning (63.0%) or by peer learning (49.2%). The students used computers for predominately; word processing (95.6%), entertainment (95.0%), web browsing (80.1%) and preparing presentations (76.8%). Majority of the students (75.7%) expressed their willingness for a formal computer training programme at the faculty.Mean score for the computer literacy questionnaire was 48.4 ± 20.3, with no significant gender difference (Males-47.8 ± 21.1, Females-48.9 ± 19.6). There were 47.9% students that had a score less than 50% for the computer literacy questionnaire. Students from Colombo district, Western Province and Student owning a computer had a significantly higher mean score in comparison to other students (p < 0.001). In the linear regression analysis, formal computer training was the strongest predictor of computer literacy (? = 13.034), followed by using internet facility, being from Western province, using computers for Web browsing and computer programming, computer ownership and doing IT (Information Technology) as a subject in GCE (A/L) examination.

Conclusion

Sri Lankan medical undergraduates had a low-intermediate level of computer literacy. There is a need to improve computer literacy, by increasing computer training in schools, or by introducing computer training in the initial stages of the undergraduate programme. These two options require improvement in infrastructure and other resources.

SUBMITTER: Ranasinghe P

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3517310 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Computer literacy among first year medical students in a developing country: a cross sectional study.

Ranasinghe Priyanga P Wickramasinghe Sashimali A SA Pieris Wa Rasanga WR Karunathilake Indika I Constantine Godwin R GR

BMC research notes 20120914

<h4>Background</h4>The use of computer assisted learning (CAL) has enhanced undergraduate medical education. CAL improves performance at examinations, develops problem solving skills and increases student satisfaction. The study evaluates computer literacy among first year medical students in Sri Lanka.<h4>Methods</h4>The study was conducted at Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka between August-September 2008. First year medical students (n = 190) were invited for the study. Da ...[more]

PMID: 22980096

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Project description:BACKGROUND:Levels of physical activity and happiness may impact the health and performance of future doctors. The specific relationship between physical activity and happiness among first year medical students is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate these variables and how they relate within first year, graduate entry Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery students studying in Cyprus. METHODS:Self-administered questionnaires were provided for all first year medical students at the St. George's University of London medical programme delivered by the University of Nicosia Medical School in Cyprus. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form and happiness was assessed using the Short Depression Happiness Scale. Surveys were completed by 79 of the 120 students (median age of 24?years). Happiness and continuous measures of physical activity amounts were investigated using spearman's rank-order correlation. Mann-Whitney U Tests were used to make further comparisons between the physical activity levels across happy and depressed groups and gender, as well as to compare the levels of happiness reported by each gender. RESULTS:High levels of physical activity were evident in 60.8% of students. Results suggested depression among 15.2% of students. A positive correlation was observed between happiness and amount of vigorous intensity physical activity among female students (p?<?0.05), but not males. Happy females performed more vigorous physical activity than depressed females (p?<?0.05). The total amount of physical activity performed, as well as level of happiness, did not significantly differ between genders. CONCLUSIONS:A relationship exists between physical activity and happiness among female first year medical students. The intensity of physical activity may play an important role within this group. There appears to be relatively high levels of physical activity and low levels of depression among male and female first year medical students studying in Cyprus. This study provides new knowledge regarding relationships between happiness and physical activity among first year medical students, and is also the first characterization of happiness and physical activity habits among students in Cyprus. This may help to inform future policies aimed at promoting health and wellness within student communities.

Dataset Information

Computer literacy among first year medical students in a developing country: a cross sectional study.

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Publications

Computer literacy among first year medical students in a developing country: a cross sectional study.

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