The sudden transition to synchronized online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia: a qualitative study exploring medical students' perspectives.
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Background
The closure of educational activities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an unplanned shift from traditional learning to a setup that exclusively involves digital teaching and learning. Within this context, the present study aimed to explore undergraduate medical students' perceptions regarding the effectiveness of synchronized online learning at Unaizah College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia.Methods
A qualitative study was conducted using virtual focus group discussions synchronously with the help of a discussion guide consisting of seven open-ended questions. Overall, 60 medical students were recruited using a maximum variation sampling technique; these students then participated in eight focus group discussions. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed for thematic contents using the standard (Mayring, Kiger. M. E. and Braun.V) content analysis framework.Results
A thematic content analysis yielded four core themes: (1) educational impact, (2) time management, (3) challenges encountered, and (4) preferences for the future. The online modality was well-received, and all participants agreed that online sessions were time saving and that their performance was improved due to enhanced utility of time; however, they indicated that they encountered some challenges, including methodological, content perception, technical, and behavioral challenges during sessions and online exams. Most of the preclinical students preferred online learning for the upcoming academic years.Conclusion
Synchronized online classes were well-accepted by the medical students. This represents significant and promising potential for the future of medical education. The principles of the online learning model and learning outcomes should be rigorously and regularly evaluated to monitor its effectiveness.
SUBMITTER: Khalil R
PROVIDER: S-EPMC7453686 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Similar Datasets
Project description:ObjectiveDespite an extensive literature on efficiency, qualitative evidence on the drivers of hospital efficiency is scant. This study examined the factors that influence the efficiencies of health service provision in public hospitals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and their potential remedies.DesignWe employed a qualitative design involving semi-structured interviews conducted between July and September 2019. Participants were purposively selected and included policymakers and hospital managers drawn from districts, regional and national levels. Data were analyzed in Nvivo 12 based on a thematic approach.SettingKey informants of Ministry of health in the KSA.ResultsRespondents identified a range of different factors across the community, facility and the wider health system that influence inefficiencies in public hospitals in KSA. Ineffective hospital management, lack of strategic planning and goals, weak administrative leadership, and absence of monitoring hospital performance was noted to have a profound impact on hospital efficiency. The conditions of healthcare staff in respect to both skills, authority and psychological factors were considered to influence the efficiency level. Further, lack of appropriate data for decision making due to the absence of an appropriate health informatics system was regarded as a factor of inefficiency. At the community level, respondents described inadequate information on the healthcare needs and expectations of patients and the wider community as significant barriers to the provision of efficient services. To improve hospital efficiencies, respondents recommended that service delivery decisions are informed by data on community health needs; capacity strengthening and effective supervision of hospital staff; and judicious resource allocation.ConclusionThe study demonstrates that inefficiencies in health services remain a critical challenge in public hospitals in KSA. Extensive awareness-raising and training on efficient resource utilization among key health systems stakeholders are imperative to improving hospital performance. More research is needed to strengthen knowledge on hospital efficiency in light of the limited data on the topic in KSA and the wider Gulf region.
| S-EPMC9243553 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Abstract: Vitamin D deficiency is widespread in Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study was to explore participants' knowledge about vitamin D and attitudes toward sun exposure. The study also aimed to explore the social and cultural factors that might potentially contribute to vitamin D deficiency in Saudi Arabia. Face-to-face interviews were carried out in the cities of Jeddah and Makkah between May and October 2015. The interview questions were semi-structured, and the data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Study participants showed a reasonable level of knowledge in different areas about vitamin D, including the effect of vitamin D deficiency on bone health and exposure to sunlight as the main source of vitamin D. Participants were also knowledgeable about vitamin D supplements as another source of this vitamin. Nevertheless, there was a shortage of knowledge in relation to dietary sources of vitamin D. In respect to attitudes toward sun exposure, some participants had positive attitudes toward sunlight and were willing to expose themselves to sunlight, but it was restricted to the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. These participants who liked exposure to sunlight were largely exposing only their faces and hands to sunlight. Other participants had negative attitudes toward sun exposure and were avoiding sunlight. Moreover, the study participants identified several barriers to sun exposure, including hot climate, living in high-rise buildings, limited public areas allowing outdoor activities, lifestyle issues such as physical inactivity, and some religious concerns such as wearing the hijab. The study results also demonstrate that females were more enthusiastic about taking actions to improve their vitamin D status in comparison with males. Recommendations for health education interventions that increase awareness about vitamin D sources, especially food sources, are made. Also, educational interventions should focus on increasing awareness about the sufficient time of the day and duration for sun exposure to improve vitamin D status and the importance of the intake of vitamin D supplements as an affordable source to improve vitamin D status. Increasing males' awareness of the benefits of vitamin D is important to encourage them to adopt behaviors to improve vitamin D.
| S-EPMC5746710 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectivesThe demand for orthopedic surgery is expected to increase as the Saudi population grows and ages. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the interest of medical students and interns in orthopedic surgery and the factors that influence their interest.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire adapted from a similar study and modified by the authors. The questionnaire was distributed via email to more than 500 medical students from the second year to the internship year. The questionnaire was designed to assess knowledge, interest, and students' perception of orthopedics.ResultsFive hundred and ten responses were obtained; 382 (74.90%) were from women. Gender, family orientation, private practice, and perceptions of orthopedic surgery as a stressful specialty or a specialty in crisis were variables that did not influence participants' perceptions of orthopedic surgery. Further, 13% of participants showed early interest in orthopedic surgery, especially during their third year of medical school. Most of the interested participants recognized that having strong level of knowledge, future academic opportunities, a controllable lifestyle, direct patient care, experience during their clerkship, a high salary, immediate satisfaction, and a prestigious specialty were important aspects that determined their interest in considering a future career in orthopedic surgery. Work preferences that had a significant impact on interest included working with patients not requiring long-term care, working only in the hospital, working outside the hospital, and working only during the day.ConclusionThere was no difference between genders in terms of interest in orthopedic surgery. This study might serve as a basis for future research assessing the interest of medical students in orthopedic surgery as well as identifying and managing the barriers that prevent students from pursuing careers as orthopedic surgeons.
| S-EPMC10734330 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The current pandemic has revolutionized medical education with a rapid shift to online teaching and learning strategies. The students have coped by turning to the online resources to keep pace with the change. To determine the type and practice of online resources used by undergraduate medical students and compare the use of online resources with gender and GPA. This was a cross-sectional study in which an online self-administered questionnaire was used to evaluate the type and practices of the online resources used by the medical students during the Covid-19 pandemic. Complete enumeration sampling method was used to collect the data from 180 medical students studying at College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia. One hundred and thirty students (72.2%) were unaware of the free online resources offered by the University. Most students (58.3%, n = 105) consulted peers for online references. Male students preferred PowerPoint presentations and consulting online resources for studying as compared to the females, whereas females preferred to study textbooks predominantly as compared to males (p = 0.005). Male students significantly shifted to the online resources during the COVID-19 pandemic as compared to females (p = 0.028). Students with the highest GPA scores shifted to online educational resources during pandemic. A significant proportion of the undergraduate medical students at College of Medicine, Majmaah University used online educational resources for learning. We recommend that the college administration for deliberation with the medical educationalists for necessary curricular amendments and taking necessary steps to make the college Academic supervision and mentorship program more proactive to meet the challenges of students' use of online educational resources.
| S-EPMC8336793 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Background and Objective:Leishmaniasis is endemic in Saudi Arabia with cases reported in many regions. This review refers to publications on leishmaniasis in Saudi Arabia and discusses issues related to parasite species, clinical manifestation and diagnosis. Methods:This research was done at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia by systematic literature search on PubMed and Google Scholar databases from 1989 to 2018. Selection criteria included original articles reporting on visceral leishmaniasis (VL) or cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Saudi Arabia. Results:The search identified 16 eligible articles, six for VL and 10 for CL. VL was reported in areas known to be non-endemic. Leishmania donovani was the main cause for human VL while Leishmania infantum seemed to cause the disease in animals. Dogs were considered the main reservoir hosts and black rats (Rattus rattus) were potential hosts. VL mainly affected infants and young children. It is important to note that VL diagnosis was based on either invasive parasite detection procedures or serologically using indirect hemagglutination test. CL represented the most frequent clinical form with the main endemic foci reported in the South-West and Eastern regions. CL appeared to have no demographic or socioeconomic restriction; it affected both rural and urban citizens, with the majority occurring among farmers. Travelling was recognized as an important risk factor. Leishmania tropica and Leishmania major were recognized as the main causes for CL. Conclusion:This report summarizes the potential risks for VL and CL in Saudi Arabia in areas known to be non-endemic. There are substantial gaps in knowledge and practices in regard to leishmaniasis in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the need for more research and medical surveillance targeting the disease in humans and animals.
| S-EPMC7260898 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Objectives:This study aimed to determine attitudes towards and perceptions of plagiarism among medical students in Saudi Arabia. Methods:This cross-sectional, multicentre study was conducted between April and May 2018 and involved medical students enrolled in three medical schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The previously validated Attitude Towards Plagiarism questionnaire was used to evaluate approval (i.e. a positive attitude) and disapproval of plagiarism (i.e. a negative attitude) among medical students. Furthermore, this study evaluated whether attending medical writing courses or courses in medical ethics influenced medical students' attitudes towards plagiarism. Results:A total of 551 students participated in the study (response rate = 73.5%). A significant association was found between mean negative and positive attitude scores and grade point average (GPA; P = 0.004 and 0.007, respectively). Students attending medical ethics courses had higher mean negative attitude scores compared to students who did not attend such courses (odds ratio = 2.369, 95% confidence interval: 1.540-3.645; P <0.001). Attending medical ethics courses was associated with a significantly more negative attitude towards plagiarism (P <0.001, each). Conclusion:The majority of medical students in Saudi Arabia included in this study indicated a highly negative attitude towards plagiarism. A higher GPA, the authoring of a published manuscript and attending courses in medical ethics were associated with negative attitudes towards plagiarism among medical students.
| S-EPMC7065706 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundWork-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) are injuries affecting bones, joints, muscles, and tendons due to improper working conditions with serious consequences on health and career. Dentists were found to be at greater risk of developing WMSD compared to other healthcare providers. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of WMSD among dental students in Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis cross-sectional survey-based study recruited dental students across the kingdom using respondent-driven sampling technique. Data was collected using the Nordic Musculoskeletal scale and a validated, self- administered, close-ended questionnaire which assessed WMSDs predisposing factors, enabling factors and musculoskeletal disorders consequences and management. The questionnaire was administered in both Arabic and English languages and was distributed online using google forms. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, Chi-square test or Fisher Exact test was used where appropriate and Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of developing WMSDs.ResultsThe prevalence of WMSD was 87% (95% CL; 83.9% to 90.3%) among the 462 respondents. Gender, study year, type of practice, having clinics for left-handed, hours of clinical practice, sitting in the proper position while working, use of coping strategies were significantly associated with WMSD prevalence (P < 0.05). Males were OR = 10 times at higher risk of WMSD compared to females (P = 0.0001). Those with daily clinical practice were OR = 5 times at higher risk of WMSD than those who have weekly practice. Those practicing walking, workout, and yoga showed lower prevalence of WMSD (OR = 0.377 & 0.323, p = 0.015, 0.010 respectively).ConclusionsThe prevalence of WMSD among dental students in KSA was high. Males and those with prolonged clinical sessions were at greater risk of WMSD. There is a need for awareness campaigns to educate dental students about risk factors of WMSD. Collegesy, dental colleges should adopt policies in reducing WMSD among their students.
| S-EPMC10601255 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundThe teaching and learning environment (TLE) in medical schools is critical for shaping the outcomes and competencies of graduates. Research on TLE has highlighted its influence on student learning approaches and outcomes, yet gaps remain, particularly in qualitative insights, especially in Saudi Arabian contexts. This study aims to explore the students' experiences and perceptions of the TLE in a new medical college.MethodsThis qualitative study consisted of a total of five focus group discussions (3consequtive sessions for male group and two for female group) conducted virtually using the Zoom videoconferencing application. All the discussion sessions took place during a lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic between December 2020 and February 2021. Each session lasted for 45-60 min. Each group was formed of 4-5 students from different academic levels in the Majmaah medical school, which was established 10 years ago and is located in a small city. After "verbatim transcription" of the sessions was made, a framework thematic analysis of the data was performed using the NVivo software.ResultsThe study results revealed that various elements, such as educational content, faculty roles, and personal factors, collectively influenced the students' educational experiences. The students valued educational relevance and autonomous decision-making. The multifunctional role of faculty as mentors, evaluators, and resource providers was considered essential in enhancing academic experiences. Additionally, there was an evident need to improve the physical learning environment and facilities to adapt to emerging educational needs. These results align with existing literature, emphasizing the integration of theory and practice and the significant impact of faculty roles in academic experiences.ConclusionThe findings suggest that medical colleges should involve students more in decision-making related to their education and ensure the practical relevance of the educational content. Establishing open communication channels between students and faculty who act as mentors and evaluators is also essential. Furthermore, enhancing supportive infrastructures, such as mental health and financial services, and promoting extracurricular activities are crucial for fostering a more effective and nurturing learning environment.
| S-EPMC10868022 | biostudies-literature
Project description:This study investigates the critical factors influencing Saudi Arabia's sustainable human capital development. It primarily aims to explore the correlations among the postulated variables and how each variable influences the development of a skilled, adaptable, and socially conscious workforce, in alignment with the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030. This study utilizes a quantitative approach, employing partial least squares structural equation modeling to analyze the data collected from 203 public personnel in Saudi Arabia through an online questionnaire. The findings reveal that training, community engagement, institutional support, and technology integration are essential in sustainable human capital development. However, learning, education, and access to resources were not statistically significant and did not improve sustainable human capital development in Saudi Arabia. The findings underscore the significance of an educational framework that transcends traditional perspectives, focusing on not only academic preparation but also the holistic development of individuals. This study contributes to understanding how training, community engagement, institutional support, and technology integration are transformative in shaping the future of Saudi Arabia by nurturing a skilled, adaptable, and socially responsible citizenry.
| S-EPMC11369408 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Purpose:Dietary supplements (DSs) are popular in many countries, and their use among individuals is increasing worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and use of DSs among pharmacy students in King Saud University College of Pharmacy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods:This study used a cross-sectional design targeting male senior pharmacy students in their fourth and fifth years of Bachelor and Doctor of Pharmacy courses. The data were collected between August and October 2019 using paper-based questionnaires. Results:A total of 46.8% of the students used DSs. Of all students surveyed, 19% used branded supplements whereas 9.7% used generic or local supplements and 12.3% used both generic and branded supplements. Furthermore, 8.2% students suffered from side effects, including 5.6% who suffered from nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and 2.6% who suffered from headache, confusion, and disorientation. Approximately 24.6% of students used fiber DSs whereas 19% and 16.4% used DSs for protein and glucosamine/omega 3 fatty acids, respectively. Conclusion:The study findings indicated that the prevalence of DS use is increasing. However, approximately half of the respondents encourage the use of DSs only with a doctor's recommendation. Educating about the safe use of DSs is warranted.
| S-EPMC7494426 | biostudies-literature