Self-directed learning and approach to seeking medical evidence: perceptions of students from a private medical university of Karachi

Authors

  • Naseem Amin Dhedhi Department of Family Medicine, Baqai Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2339-8547
  • Faisal Ahmed Department of Family Medicine, Baqai Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Bushra Rabbani Department of Medicine, Baqai Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Syed Muhammad Zulfiqar Hyder Naqvi Department of Community Medicine, Baqai Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5150-6149

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.7439

Keywords:

Evidence-based medicine, self-directed learning as topic, Students, Medical

Abstract

Objective: To assess self-directed learning among medical students and their approach towards seeking medical evidence.

Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted from November 30, 2021, to June 30, 2022, at the Baqai Medical University, Karachi, and comprised first to fifth year medical students of either gender. Data was collected using a structured online questionnaire which also included questions from the self-directed learning instrument. Data was analysed using SPSS 21.

Results: Of the 250 students approached, 159(63.6%) responded were received; 102(64.2%) females and 57(35.8%) males. The overall mean age was 21.78±1.72 years, with 88(54.1%) subjects aged >21 years. Majority 127(79.9%) participants scored above average on the self-directed learning instrument scale, while 131(84.2%) showed satisfactory approach towards evidence-based medicine. Students with better attitude towards self-directed learning were more likely to have satisfactory approach towards evidence-based medicine, but this relationship was not significant (p=0.136).

Conclusion: Medical students were found to be keen to adopt self-directed learning and practice evidence-based medicine though they have not been formally exposed to it.

Key Words: Evidence-based medicine, self-directed learning as topic, Students, Medical.

Published

2023-08-15

How to Cite

Naseem Amin Dhedhi, Faisal Ahmed, Bushra Rabbani, & Syed Muhammad Zulfiqar Hyder Naqvi. (2023). Self-directed learning and approach to seeking medical evidence: perceptions of students from a private medical university of Karachi. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 73(9), 1821–1826. https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.7439

Issue

Section

Research Article