Journal of Society of Prevention, Advocacy and Research KEMU

Artificial Intelligence Enhanced Collaborative Learning Among Medical and Non-Medical Students – A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Aina Khalid — 2024-11-07

Introduction: The integration of Artificial Intelligence into educational methodologies, particularly AI-enhanced collaborative learning (AI-ECL), has garnered significant attention in recent years. AI promises to transform educational experiences by enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the experiences, perceptions, and outcomes of AI-ECL among undergraduate medical and non-medical students in various colleges in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted with 195 undergraduate students, including 101 medical and 94 non-medical students. Data were collected through a pre-tested self-administered, closed ended proforma and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to assess differences between the two groups. Results: The findings revealed that a majority of medical (85.1%) and non-medical (80.9%) students reported using AI tools for learning or assignments. Medical students were more likely to trust AI with personal data and believed in its significant role in the future of education (92.1% vs. 77.7%). Significant differences were noted in AI usage for medical studies (p < 0.001) and trust in AI handling personal data (p = 0.019). However, both groups expressed similar confidence in using AI for learning. Conclusion: AI-ECL was positively perceived by both groups, but medical students showed higher acceptance and trust. Addressing these trust issues is essential, along with ensuring AI tools meet the specific needs of different disciplines to enhance educational outcomes.

The Rise of Vaping Culture in Students: Exploring the Trends and Dynamics of E-Cigarette Use: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aiza Ashraf Zia — 2024-11-07

Background: Vapes and e-cigarettes are portable devices that heat a nicotine-containing fluid to produce inhalable emissions. Their use has grown significantly and teenagers who vape risk nicotine addiction and impaired brain development. Objective: To assess the rise of vaping culture and exploring the trends and dynamics of e cigarette use among medical and nonmedical students. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey that targeted 222 students from reputable institutions across Punjab using a convenient sampling technique. The data collection tool was pre-tested structured questionnaire that assessed the participant's familiarity with the trends of e-cigarette in their respective colleges. We analyze the data using chi-square test for bivariate associations. P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant Results: Among the 222 respondents, most of the participants were male students who were familiar with the use and risk of vaping. The most common reason of vaping was peer pressure in both medical and non students. Majority of medical students reported no impact of vape on their academic performance whereas increased absenteeism was reported among non medical students. The survey suggests that medical students all over Punjab are generally aware about vaping and its risks however non medical students should be educated more about the severity and impact of e-cigarette use Conclusion: The study shows distinct disparities in e- cigarette and vape behaviors between medical and non-medical students. Medical students demonstrate more awareness of health risks, lower smoking prevalence, and minimal academic disruption from vaping. In contrast, non-medical students exhibit higher smoking rates and significant academic challenges such as increased absenteeism

From Training to Practice: Assessing Entrustable Professional Activities as Milestones for House Officers Clinical Development: A Cross-Sectional Study

Ayesha Sehar — 2024-11-07

Background: Entrustable Professional activities (EPAs) are specific tasks or responsibilities within the medical profession that can be entrusted to newly graduated students as they advance through their training and education. Evaluation via EPAs offer a method to implement competency-based assessment comprehensively. Objectives: To determine the mean entrustable professional activities score of the house officers of public sector hospitals in Lahore. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 01-06-24 to 15-07-24, at a public sector hospital in Lahore. House officers' performance was assessed using a questionnaire which evaluated competencies based on Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs). The questionnaire had two variants: a self-evaluation form for house officers and a supervisor evaluation form. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon Signed rank test. Results: 139 House Officers participated in this research, currently employed at a public sector hospitals in Lahore. The mean age of all house officers was 23.5±0.866 years. Of the 139 participants, 67.6% (n=94) were males and 32.4% (n=45) were females. The descriptive statistics reveal that self-evaluated scores of house officers tend to be higher than supervisor evaluated scores. Moreover, total EPA Wilcoxon analysis reveals that the supervisor's EPA scores for all the 5 domains (Z=X, p<0.001) are lower than the self- evaluated score of house officers in a majority of cases (106 out of 139), higher in a smaller number of cases (33 out of 139), but never equal Conclusion: This research can guide the policymakers to establish a structured feedback system for house officers, encourage the house officers for realistic self-assessment & train the supervisors for constructive feedback. This kind of collaborative assessment culture and & promotion of reflective practice can better enhance the skills of house officers. Moreover, future research is necessary for cross-context comparisons of different institutions in the country. Corresponding Author | Muhammad Awais, email: awaisgill68@gmail.com

Bridging the Gap: Understanding of Application, Education and Ethical Consideration of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Students of Punjab

Hafiz Muhammad Ehsan Arshad — 2024-11-07

Introduction: Taking into account the extensive availability and integration of AI in medicine, the growing concern regarding its inclusion in undergraduate medical curricula worldwide, and a lack of scientific literature directly addressing these subjects in Pakistani institutes, Objective: This research aimed to explore how medical students of Pakistan perceive the implementation of artificial intelligence within medicine, as well as the formal education of its utilization and ethical concerns related to its use. Methodology: This cross-sectional survey was conducted across the medical institutes of Punjab and used a validated web-based pre-developed study including 53 items across 6 sections. Descriptive statistics (median, mode, IQR, totals and sub-totals, and percentages) were derived and analysis utilized either the Mann-Whitney U or the chi-square tests, as appropriate. Results: 332 students with a majority from public sector colleges (77.7%), participated. 308/332 participants had prior experience with these language models and other tools but only a fraction received any formal education regarding its ethical concerns (72/332). The majority had a positive perception of its implementation. Despite varied prior use, 76.2% of participants acknowledged a positive impact of AI and had widespread consensus (74.4%) on the inclusion of ethics instruction in medical education, with a significantly higher figure (P=0.02) in participants with prior experience. Regarding its contents, all the proposed AI ethics topics were rated as highly relevant. Conclusions: Despite the extensive AI technology use, only a fraction of the students had received formal AI ethics education, revealing an important shortcoming in the current medical curricula. This necessitates the re-evaluation of medical curricula regarding the incorporation of AI and AI ethics education. Corresponding Author | Muhammad Awais email: awaisgill68@gmail.com

Challenges Faced by Pregnant Women in Utilizing Antenatal Care Services

Ayesha Javed — 2024-11-08

Background: Utilization of antenatal care services is very important for the health of mother as well as the child. However, most of pregnant women in Pakistan fail to utilize those services due to various challenges. Objectives : To identify barriers faced by pregnant females in seeking antenatal care services in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Public hospitals of Lahore, over a period of 1 month from June 1 to June 30. A sample size of 99 pregnant females in their third trimester from all social backgrounds was taken. A chi-square test was used for analysis. Results: The mean age of women was 29±5 years with 66% from urban side. Most of them women had completed higher secondary education i.e. 35%, and their spouse income was under 50k rupees i.e. 87%. The non-utilization of care was observed in 20% women, partial utilization of antenatal care was observed in 50% women and complete utilization of antenatal care was observed in 30% women. The most important variables found to be challenges for utilization of antenatal care services were prenatal care awareness (p=0.001), nearby (p=0.000), transportation issues (p=0.013), availability of skilled workers (p=0.023), adequate info about pregnancy (p=0.044), awareness of regular checkups (p=0.001), community support groups (p=0.002), and referral to specialist (p=0.013) Conclusion: In our study, , it was observed that a large percentage of women don't avail antenatal care services completely, i.e. 20 % of them don't utilize antenatal services at all and 50 % only utilize them partially. The most significant challenges faced by pregnant women in utilization of antenatal care services were prenatal care awareness, nearby facilities for antenatal care, transportation issues, availability of skilled workers, adequate awareness about importance of regular checkups, and lack of community support groups, and referral to specialists.

Navigating the Medical World: Challenges Faced by Women in Today's Society

Saira Afzal — 2024-11-20

Introduction n recent years, women have made remarkable strides in the field of medicine, becoming leaders, specialists, and educators in a traditionally male-dominated profession. A profession has no gender and every individual has a born right to pursue a profession of their choice. The world is progressing and the women in this world are also getting empowered with every passing day. However, despite these advancements, many women continue to face significant challenges after graduating from medical school. Their journey, especially in societies with strong patriarchal values, is often laden with obstacles that affect their professional growth, personal life, and work-life balance. Gender Bias and Discrimination in Medical Professions Upon graduating, many women enter a professional environ- ment that still holds remnants of traditional gender roles, even within medical settings. Practical life challenges are way different from the student life challenges. Though merit- based advancements have gained traction, issues of gender bias remain pervasive. Studies reveal that a considerable number of female healthcare professionals report experiences of discrimination, ranging from fewer leadership opportu- nities to lower pay compared to their male counterparts. Gender biases and prejudices in the workplace create a glass ceiling that often hinders female physicians from reaching their full potential, causing frustration, burnout, and in some cases, a departure from the profession altogether.