Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Performance evaluation of selected machine learning algorithms for COVID‑19 prediction using routine clinical data: With versus Without CT scan features

. Mostafa Shanbehzadeh; . Hadi Kazemi-Arpanahi; . Azam Orooji; . Sara Mobarak; . Saeed Jelvay

Volume 11, Issue 7 , August 2021, , Pages 1-11

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Given coronavirus disease (COVID‑19’s) unknown nature, diagnosis, and treatmentis very complex up to the present time. Thus, it is essential to have a framework ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Given coronavirus disease (COVID‑19’s) unknown nature, diagnosis, and treatmentis very complex up to the present time. Thus, it is essential to have a framework for an early predictionof the disease. In this regard, machines learning (ML) could be crucial to extract concealed patternsfrom mining of huge raw datasets then it establishes high‑quality predictive models. At this juncture,we aimed to apply different ML techniques to develop clinical predictive models and select the bestperformance of them.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The dataset of Ayatollah Talleghani hospital, COVID‑19 focal centeraffiliated to Abadan University of Medical Sciences have been taken into consideration. The datasetused in this study consists of 501 case records with two classes (COVID‑19 and non COVID‑19) and32 columns for the diagnostic features. ML algorithms such as Naïve Bayesian, Bayesian Net, randomforest (RF), multilayer perceptron, K‑star, C4.5, and support vector machine were developed. Then,the recital of selected ML models was assessed by the comparison of some performance indices suchas accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision, F‑score, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC).RESULTS: The experimental results indicate that RF algorithm with the accuracy of 92.42%, specificityof 75.70%, precision of 92.30%, sensitivity of 92.40%, F‑measure of 92.00%, and ROC of 97.15%has the best capability for COVID‑19 diagnosis and screening.CONCLUSION: The empirical results reveal that RF model yielded higher performance as comparedto other six classification models. It is promising to the implementation of RF model in the health‑caresettings to increase the accuracy and speed of disease diagnosis for primary prevention, screening,surveillance, and early treatment.

---

• View Article
• PDF 1.49 M

Psychological stress and its relation to social distancing among a sample of Saudi during COVID‑19 pandemic

. Fertaj Alzwain; . Mohammad Bashatwa; . Burhan Hamadneh

Volume 11, Issue 6 , July 2021, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Over the last year, the world has witnessed an infectious disease (COVID‑19)outbreak that has shown a high rate of spread. Therefore, several prevention and mitigation ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Over the last year, the world has witnessed an infectious disease (COVID‑19)outbreak that has shown a high rate of spread. Therefore, several prevention and mitigation measureshave been imposed to control the spread of the virus worldwide. The aim of the current study is toidentify the commitment level to social distancing and its relationship to psychological stress amongmembers of Saudi society during COVID‑19 pandemic.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The descriptive correlational design was employed in the currentstudy, and the sample of the study consisted of 536 Saudis selected using convenient samplingmethod. The study was conducted in four cities in Saudi Arabia (Altayef, Mecca, and Najran, in 2020during COVID‑19 pandemic using quantitative survey method. Several analysis methods using SPSSsoftware were used to analyze the data such as mean and standard deviation, three‑way ANOVA,Scheffe’s test, and Pearson correlation.RESULTS: The study revealed that the psychological stress and commitment level to socialdistancing by the study sample during COVID‑19 pandemic was moderate, and differences wereobserved among the study variables. Furthermore, the study revealed a statistically significantnegative correlation between the commitment level to social distancing and the exposure topsychological pressures.CONCLUSION: The study contributed to literature by developing a model to enhance the importanceof social distancing of people during COVID‑19 pandemic. The study recommends the necessity toprovide advice and counseling services that enhance community members’ awareness about theapplication of social distancing during COVID‑19 pandemic.,

---

• View Article
• PDF 507.96 K

An overview of 2019 novel coronavirus COVID‑19 pandemic: A review study

. Vahid Hatami Garosi; . Sepideh Tanhaie; . Fakhreddin Chaboksavar; . Teymour Kamari; . Parvin Abdi Gheshlaghi; . Razie Toghroli; . Simin Soltaninezhad; . Seyyed Amar Azizi; . Vahid Yazdani; . Fatemeh Mahmoodi

Volume 11, Issue 6 , July 2021, , Pages 1-9

Abstract

  Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus2, was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. It is now known ...  Read More Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus2, was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. It is now known as apandemic and a global crisis due to rapid human‑to‑human transmission with the vast expansionthat has affected almost all countries. The primary source of the disease is still unknown, but it ispossible that the virus was transmitted through bat to an intermediate host and then to humans.The main and early symptoms of COVID‑19 infection are fatigue, fever, dry cough, myalgia, anddyspnea. The incubation period of the disease is about 2–14 days, which is one of the importantparameters for planning to prevent disease outbreak. PT‑polymerase chain reaction test is used todiagnose the disease; chest computed tomography scan, chest X‑ray, blood tests, and symptomsare also very helpful in diagnosing the disease. There is a strong emphasis on controlling infectionsand hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of the disease. There is not enough knowledge aboutthis disease yet, and there are no specific vaccines or medications available to prevent and treat thisdisease. The current review study uses articles indexed on databases of Embase, Elsevier, PubMed,and World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and keywords ofcoronavirus, COVID‑19, acute respiratory distress syndrome and China.

---

• View Article
• PDF 932.08 K

Information challenges of COVID‑19: A qualitative research

. Golrokh Atighechian; . Fatemeh Rezaei; . Nahid Tavakoli; . Mitra Abarghoian

Volume 11, Issue 6 , July 2021, , Pages 1-9

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: At the beginning of the COVID‑19 pandemic, the Iranian Ministry of Health andMedical Education set up a 24‑h call center, i.e., Center 4030, to mitigate people’s ...  Read More BACKGROUND: At the beginning of the COVID‑19 pandemic, the Iranian Ministry of Health andMedical Education set up a 24‑h call center, i.e., Center 4030, to mitigate people’s worries andanxieties, create composure, increase people’s trust, and answer their questions. This qualitativestudy aimed to identify the challenges of COVID‑19‑related‑information among people in point ofexperts’ views.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted to collect the opinions of expertson the identification of the Information challenges of COVID‑19 during March–June 2020. Theresearch population included all health professionals and experts. The sampling method was initiallypurposive and continued to saturate the data as snowball technique. In this study, 19 participantswere interviewed. The data were collected using a semi‑structured interview. After collecting the data,the audio files of the interviews were written down to extract their external and internal elements.MAXQDA version 12 software was used to organize qualitative analysis and coding data.RESULTS: The results of this study involved eight themes, i.e., lack of planning, lack of social trustin government, lack of COVID‑19‑integrated scientific authority in the country, conflicts of interest,lack of integrated information sources, distracting public attention, infodemic, and poor informationquality, classified into 16 categories.CONCLUSIONS: The main information challenges that people in Iran faced included the lack ofa scientific reference source to access accurate information, the existence of a large volume ofinformation in virtual networks, and a huge volume of statistics from various information channelsthat caused confusion among people.

---

• View Article
• PDF 534.97 K

Content analysis of educational videos on hand hygiene during COVID‑19 pandemic

. Divya Verma; . Divita Sharma; . Meenakshi Khapre

Volume 11, Issue 6 , July 2021, , Pages 1-10

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Online platforms are the most popular mode of entertainment, simultaneouslyimparting knowledge and education. During COVID pandemic, there was a sudden influx ofeducational ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Online platforms are the most popular mode of entertainment, simultaneouslyimparting knowledge and education. During COVID pandemic, there was a sudden influx ofeducational videos on social media/websites with a purpose of spreading the information about handhygiene (HH) practices. The aim of this study was to explore and assess the HH videos based onits content and technical quality to promote the learning experience of videos.MATERIALS AND METHODS: HH videos from the official sites of five international healthorganizations and 42 national health institutes were assessed based on their availability of the HHvideos. Verified YouTube videos on HH since January 2020 were further screened and assessedusing the author’s designed validated checklist. Each video was systematically evaluated and scoredagainst the seven categories, namely introduction, audio, visuals/background, speaker/demonstrator,content, timing, and appeal.RESULTS: A total of 50 videos were assessed for analysis. Of these, 82% of videos scored >50%,i.e., 14. Among low scorer, seven videos were from YouTube channel. Majority of the videos weretechnically sound, 44% aroused interest, 82% had a simple, understandable message; in around46% of the videos, the presenter was a healthcare worker; and in 24%, the information was accurateas per the World Health Organization guidelines.CONCLUSIONS: This study concluded that most of the HH videos were found to be just aboveaverage in their content quality and technicality.

---

• View Article
• PDF 823.26 K

Awareness, perception, and mitigating measures on COVID‑19: Do we still need to educate our masses on COVID‑19?

. Mukesh Bairwa; . Rajesh Kumar; . Poonam Yadav; . Yogesh Bahurupi; . Ravi Kant

Volume 11, Issue 6 , July 2021, , Pages 1-10

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: COVID‑19 was declared an emergency of international concern by the World HealthOrganization in 2020. This study assesses patients’ awareness, perception, and mitigating ...  Read More BACKGROUND: COVID‑19 was declared an emergency of international concern by the World HealthOrganization in 2020. This study assesses patients’ awareness, perception, and mitigating measurestaken during the COVID‑19 outbreak visiting an apex tertiary health‑care center in North India.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional study was conducted between September 15,2020, and November 15, 2020, in a tertiary care public hospital, North India, using a structuredself‑administered questionnaire. The survey included 809 patients using a consecutive samplingstrategy. The self‑structured and prevalidated questionnaire was used to collect information onstudy variables. Chi‑square test and independent samples t‑test, followed by binary and multivariatelogistic regression, was used to determine the factors associated with awareness toward COVID‑19.RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 32.41 (±11.24) years. Multivariate logistic regressionshows that married participants (OR: 0.660, 95 % CI: 0.440-0.989, P= 0.044), reading books/magazine or attended institutional lectures (OR: 2.241, 95% CI: 1.545–3.249, P = 0.001), and watchingtelevision and radio (OR: 1.824, 95% CI: 1.283–2.592, P = 0.001) are significantly more aware thantheir counterparts. Participants with higher income group (>20,000 Indian rupee) significantly hadhigher awareness than participants having salary <10,000 rupees (OR: 0.280, 95% CI: 0.178–0.440,P = 0.001) or 10,001–20,000 rupees (OR: 0.481, 95% CI: 0.297–0.777, P = 0.003). Patientsavoiding traveling across or abroad had significantly much reasonably good awareness than theircounterparts (OR: 0.357, 95% CI: 0.139–0.918, P = 0.033).CONCLUSIONS: Participants demonstrated good awareness, encouraging perception, and compliedwith appropriate mitigating measures during the outbreak. Considering frequent waves and thepandemic’s long duration, consistent reinforcement of government measures, including masks,maintaining social distance, and frequent handwashing, is much needed.

---

• View Article
• PDF 588.78 K

Health‑care determinants of mortality and recovered cases from COVID‑19: Do heath systems respond COVID‑19 similarly?

. Moslem Soofi; . Behzad Karami Matin; . Ali Kazemi Karyani; . Satar Rezaei; . Shahin Soltani

Volume 11, Issue 6 , July 2021, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The COVID‑19 pandemic has spread rapidly across the world and has currentlyimpacted most countries and territories globally. This study aimed to identify health‑care ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The COVID‑19 pandemic has spread rapidly across the world and has currentlyimpacted most countries and territories globally. This study aimed to identify health‑care determinantsof mortality and recovery rates of COVID‑19 and compare the efficiency of health systems in responseto this pandemic.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional study was conducted using data obtained from theWorld Bank database, that provides free and open access to a comprehensive set of health‑ andsocioeconomic‑related data, by September 12, 2020. An adjusted linear regression model wasapplied to determine predictors of mortality (per 1 million population [MP]) and recovery rates (per 1MP) in the included countries. One‑way analysis of variance was applied to assess health systems’efficiency in response to COVID‑19 pandemic using mortality and recovery rate (output variables)and current health expenditure (CHE) per capita (input variable).RESULTS: Globally, San Marino and Qatar had the highest mortality rate (1237/1 MP) and confirmedcase rate (43,280/1 MP) until September 12, 2020, respectively. Iran had a higher mortality rate (273/1MP vs. 214.5/1 MP) and lower recovery rate (4091.5/1 MP vs. 6477.2/1 MP) compared to countrieswith high CHE per capita. CHE per capita (standardized coefficient [SC] = 0.605, P < 0.001) andpopulation aged 65 years and over as a percentage of total population (SC = −0.79, P < 0.001)significantly predicted recovered cases from COVID‑19 in the included countries.CONCLUSION: This study revealed that countries with higher CHE per capita and higher proportion ofolder adults were more likely to have a higher recovery rate than those with lower ones. Furthermore,our study indicated that health systems with higher CHE per capita statistically had a greater efficiencyin response to COVID‑19 compared to those with lower CHE per capita. More attention to preventivestrategies, early detection, and early intervention is suggested to improve the health system efficiencyin controlling COVID‑19 and its related mortalities worldwide.

---

• View Article
• PDF 877.05 K

Transition from physical to virtual classroom amidst COVID‑19 crisis: Analyzing students’ perspective to drive improvement in the current online teaching methodology

. Jyoti Chopra; . Anita Rani; . Shloak Chopra; . Punita Manik; . Rana Ravneesh Singh

Volume 11, Issue 5 , June 2021, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Among the COVID crisis, medical education is forced to shift to the virtual mode, forwhich neither the students nor the teachers are prepared. Currently, we replaced traditional ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Among the COVID crisis, medical education is forced to shift to the virtual mode, forwhich neither the students nor the teachers are prepared. Currently, we replaced traditional classroomteaching (CT) by live online classes (LOC), power‑point presentations with voiceovers (UPV), or onlypower point presentations (UP). Uncertainty of this situation necessitates analysis of the experiencesof its stakeholders to improve the implemented online teaching methodologies in coming time. Thepresent study aims to analyze and compare the effectiveness of online teaching methodologiesamong themselves and against traditional CT.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional, survey based, observational study was conductedon 250 MBBS first year students after 1 month of implementation of online teaching program.Responses were collected on Likert scaling from 1 to 5, and data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis H‑test, ANOVA with multiple comparisons post hoc Turkey test, and an independent t‑test.RESULTS: The students perceived that the understanding, convenience for attending class,notes‑taking, visibility, audibility, raising queries and overall experience was best in traditional setup.The understanding of the topic and overall experience of the students was not affected by gender.Internet connectivity problem popped up as the major issue that adversely affected the onlineteaching experience.CONCLUSIONS: Majority of students perceived that the traditional CT is best, but at the same time,they felt that a combination of live online classes and power point presentations with voice over canreplace the traditional online classes.

---

• View Article
• PDF 517.34 K

Identifying the roles of medical librarians in COVID‑19 crisis in Iran

. Zahra Kazempour; . Mohammad Reza Soleymani; . Nayere Sadat Soleimanzade Najafi; . Hasan Ashrafi‑rizi

Volume 11, Issue 5 , June 2021, , Pages 1-12

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The best mechanisms for medical librarians to be more involved in health, especiallyduring crisis condition, and to expand their roles are using experiences of other individuals ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The best mechanisms for medical librarians to be more involved in health, especiallyduring crisis condition, and to expand their roles are using experiences of other individuals andperforming new activities. This study aimed to identify the roles of medical librarians in the COVID‑19crisis in Iran.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research was done by a qualitative content analysis method.Research participants in the first phase included whole scientific papers (19 documents) which hadbeen published by medical librarians related to the COVID‑19 issue and in the second phase 10medical librarians involved in the COVID‑19 who were interviewed and continued until data saturation.Data were collected through each interview, and data analysis was performed using content analysismethod. Then, obtained information of the first and second phases was merged together, and codes,subcategories as well as main categories were formed.RESULTS: According to the results, 7 main categories and 24 subcategories regarding the rolesof librarians in COVID‑19 crisis were identified. The main categories include hygiene  servicespromotion, development of health information‑seeking skills, health research services, interaction‑leveldevelopment, evidence‑based policy development, information dissemination services promotion, andmanagement services development. Furthermore, regarding barriers to the role of medical librariansin the COVID‑19 crisis in Iran, four subcategories were identified that are medical librarian‑relatedbarriers, organization‑related barriers, profession‑related barriers, and context of society (countryconditions)‑related barriers.CONCLUSION: Medical librarians relatively have been able to provide effective health informationservices to managers, health‑care specialists, and the general public in a variety of health fields.

---

• View Article
• PDF 567.98 K

Systematic review on telemedicine platforms in lockdown periods: Lessons learned from the COVID‑19 pandemic

. Mostafa Shanbehzadeh; . Hadi Kazemi-Arpanahi; . Sasan Ghorbani Kalkhajeh; . Gholam Basati

Volume 11, Issue 5 , June 2021, , Pages 1-10

Abstract

  With the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) outbreak, the transformation of the caredelivery model from conventional in-person (face to face) to largely virtual or remote ...  Read More With the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) outbreak, the transformation of the caredelivery model from conventional in-person (face to face) to largely virtual or remote care has beenaccelerated to appropriately allocate resources and constrain the spread of the virus. In this regard,telemedicine is a breakthrough technology to battle against the COVID‑19 emergency. Therefore, wesought to identify the telemedicine applications in the COVID‑19 pandemic (tele‑COVID) accordingto interaction modes, transmission modalities, and disease categories. This systematic reviewwas conducted through searching five databases including PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web ofScience, and Science Direct. Inclusion criteria were studies clearly outlining any use of telemedicineinteractive mode during the COVID‑19 pandemic, written in English language and published inpeer-reviewed journals in 2020. Finally, 43 articles met the inclusion out of the 1118 search results.Telemedicine provides a diversity of interaction modes and modalities affordable by patients andphysicians including short message service, E-mail and web portals, secure telephone calls or VOIP,video calls, interactive mobile health applications (m-Health), remote patient monitoring, and videoconferencing. Transmission of video data using synchronized video calls via common social mediahad the highest and exchange of data using store-forward service via secure messaging technologyand prerecorded multimedia had the lowest popularity for virtual disease management during theCOVID‑19 outbreak. Selection of telemedicine communication services and interaction modes withregard to its use‑case, disease category, and application plays a significant role in the success ofremote disease management infrastructures in this scenario and their implication for a better futurehealthcare system.

---

• View Article
• PDF 905.6 K

Study of clinical features of patients with COVID‑19 hospitalized in an educational hospital in Iran

. Abbas Homauni; . Ladan Ghadami; . Hamed Abdollahi; . Alireza Namazi Shabestari; . Behzad Asanjarani

Volume 11, Issue 4 , May 2021, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The outbreak of new pathogens or the resurgence of pathogens that have alreadyspread is a serious challenge to public health. Coronavirus is a pathogen that seems to invade ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The outbreak of new pathogens or the resurgence of pathogens that have alreadyspread is a serious challenge to public health. Coronavirus is a pathogen that seems to invade thehuman respiratory system in the first place. Coronaviruses form a large family and are so calledbecause of the presence of crown like cristae on their surface.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross‑sectional, descriptive study conducted to assess thestatus of patients with COVID‑19 who were hospitalized in an educational hospital. For this purpose,142 patients hospitalized in this hospital were followed up 2 weeks after discharge and were inquired aboutthe symptoms they had upon admission to the hospital, the number of hospitalization days, the history ofunderlying disease, and so on. Descriptive data analysis was done with the SPSS software version 22.RESULTS: The findings of this research showed that overweight or obese people (about 66%)is more likely to contract the disease. It also seems that older people (37.3% older than 60 yearsold) and those with a history of diseases (69.6%) such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heartdisease are more prone to COVID‑19. The most common symptoms of COVID‑19 patients includedfever (64.5%), shortness of breath (67.4%), and dry cough (50.4%).CONCLUSION: it seems that high risk group (obese people, old people, and people with a history ofdisease) is more likely to be infect with coronavirus so they should more careful than others. Anotherimportant issue is that policy‑makers must play an active role in public awareness of dangers ofCOVID‑19 and ways to prevent it.

---

• View Article
• PDF 462.21 K

Effectiveness of video modules in infection control trainings during COVID‑19 pandemic: A quasi‑experimental study in tertiary care institute

. Vanya Singh; . Sakshi Supehia; . Puneet Kumar Gupta; . Himanshu Narula; . Maneesh Sharma; . Komal Devi; . Ashish Ramesh Bhute

Volume 11, Issue 4 , May 2021, , Pages 1-9

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Continuous pertinent trainings for infection prevention and control (IPC) measuresare essential to ensure quality health‑care services along with the safety of the health ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Continuous pertinent trainings for infection prevention and control (IPC) measuresare essential to ensure quality health‑care services along with the safety of the health personnel.Amid the COVID‑19 pandemic, the current study focusses on the utilization of explicated videomodules training of all health‑care personnel of the institute and assessment of the effectiveness ofvideo training for IPC practices during COVID‑19 pandemic.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quasi‑experimental study, one group pre‑ and posttest design,using Google Questionnaire forms was conducted at a tertiary care center. The training was assistedby trained tutors, and three in‑house videos were demonstrated to the participants regarding specificIPC measures; “Do’s and Don’ts;” “Hand hygiene and personal protective equipment’s (PPE)” and“Environmental cleaning and disinfection.” SPSS software version 23 (IBM Corp., N. Y., USA) wasused for the analysis using the descriptive statistics, Chi‑square test, Fisher’s t‑test, ANOVA, andpost hoc Tukey’s test.RESULTS: The level of knowledge increased significantly by 16% in the posttest. Statisticallysignificant association between the levels of knowledge in pretest as well as posttest scores andage (P < 0.001), designation (P < 0.001), and years of experience (P < 0.001) was identified. Theparticipants were satisfied with the video‑assisted trainings and willing to use videos for revision.CONCLUSIONS: Video‑assisted training modules similar to this study may be utilized to enhancethe knowledge of various cadres of health‑care staff regarding IPC practices.25. Pilieci SN, Salim SY, Heffernan DS, Itani KMF, Khadaroo RG.A randomized controlled trial of video education versus skilldemonstration: Which is more effective in teaching sterile surgicaltechnique? Surg Infect (Larchmt) 2018;19:303‑12.26. KentersN, GottliebT, HopmanJ, Mehtar S, SchweizerML, TartariE,et al. An international survey of cleaning and disinfection practicesin the healthcare environment. J Hosp Infect 2018;100:236‑41.27. Keah KC, Jegathesan M, Tan SC, Chan SH, Chee OM, Cheong YM,et al. Disinfection: Gaps between recommended and actualpractice. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 1995;26:795‑8.28. Allen M, Hall L, Halton K, Graves N. Improving hospitalenvironmental hygiene with the use of a targeted multi‑modalbundle strategy. Infect Dis Health 2018;23:107‑13.29. Keithly M, Brame C, Woelfle M, Friedman K. Blending it up:Active learning in a STEM classroom through the use of on‑linematerials. In: Abstracts of Papers of the American ChemicalSociety. Vol. 250. Washington, DC 20036 USA: 1155 16th ST, NW,Amer Chemical Soc; 2015.30. Mouneghi HK, Derakhshan A, Valai N, Mortazavi F. Theeffectiveness of video‑based education on gaining practicallearning skills in comparison with demonstrating method’seffectiveness among university students. J Med Educ 2003;4.

---

• View Article
• PDF 1.38 M

Notifiable diseases interoperable framework toward improving Iran public health surveillance system: Lessons learned from COVID‑19 pandemic

. Mostafa Shanbehzadeh; . Hadi Kazemi-Arpanahi; . Ali Asghar Valipour; . Atefeh Zahedi

Volume 11, Issue 4 , May 2021, , Pages 1-11

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Direct transmission of notifiable disease information in a real‑time and reliable wayto public health decision‑makers is imperative for early identification of epidemiological ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Direct transmission of notifiable disease information in a real‑time and reliable wayto public health decision‑makers is imperative for early identification of epidemiological trends as wellas proper response to potential pandemic like ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 crisis. Thus, thisresearch aimed to develop of semantic‑sharing and collaborative‑modeling to meet the informationexchange requirements of Iran’s notifiable diseases surveillance system.MATERIALS AND METHODS: First, the Iran’s Notifiable diseases Minimum Data Set (INMDS)was determined according to a literature review coupled with agreements of experts. Then theINMDS was mapped to international terminologies and classification systems, and the Health Levelseven‑Clinical Document Architecture (HL7‑CDA) standard was leveraged to define the exchangeableand machine‑readable data formats.RESULTS: A core dataset consisting of 15 classes and 96 data fields was defined. Dataelements and response values were mapped to Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine‑ClinicalTerms (SNOMED‑CT) reference terminology. Then HL7‑CDA standard for interoperable dataexchange were defined.CONCLUSION: The notifiable disease surveillance requires an integrative participation ofmultidisciplinary team. In this field, data interoperability is more essential due to the heterogeneousnature of health information systems. Developing of INMDS based on HL7‑CDA along withSNOMED‑CT codes offers an inclusive and interoperable dataset that can help make notifiablediseases data more comparable and reportable across studies and organizations. The proposeddata model will be further modifications in the future according probable changes in Iran’s notifiablediseases list.

---

• View Article
• PDF 1.05 M

Evaluation of clinical outcomes of neonates born to mothers with coronavirus (COVID‑19) in Shahid Beheshti Hospitals

. Maryam Sadat Hosseini; . Afsaneh Hosseini; . Elnaz Ghaffari; . Mitra Radfar; . Fariba Shirvani; . Shahrzad Tabatabai; . Dariush Abtahi; . Mahsa Mirhadi; . Maziyar Mortazavi; . Shideh Ariana

Volume 11, Issue 4 , May 2021, , Pages 1-9

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The coronavirus, which is caused by acute respiratory syndrome, appeared inWuhan, China, in December 2019 and gradually spread around the world until almost all countriesbecame ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The coronavirus, which is caused by acute respiratory syndrome, appeared inWuhan, China, in December 2019 and gradually spread around the world until almost all countriesbecame infected with the coronavirus. In Iran, the outbreak of coronavirus began on February 21,2020, with the report of infection of two people in the city of Qom. The aim of this study is to evaluatethe clinical findings of neonates born to pregnant women with corona disease.MATERIALS AND METHODS: During this case study (February 21 to November 30, 2020), out of88 pregnant mothers who referred to the hospitals of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences,44 live neonates were born from 42 pregnant women with COVID‑19, who were evaluated for clinicalsigns by studying their files and reported as a case series, due to limited samples, No statisticalanalysis of the study was performed.RESULTS: In studies of clinical records of hospitalized mothers and infants, among the polymerasechain reactions (PCRs) provided for all infants, one PCR was reported positive 2 days after birth,whereas this infant 10 min after birth, immediately after routine procedures, due to positive mother’sPCR was isolated from the operating room. However, all of the infant’s clinical symptoms were normalduring the 3‑day hospital stay for routine postpartum care. Twenty‑eight days after birth, the babywas reevaluated for clinical, laboratory, and chest X‑ray symptoms, all of which were normal. ThePCR of other neonates was negative, and five intubated neonates, two twin, and two single died, andthe other neonates were discharged. In evaluating the clinical records of mothers of these infants,the mean age is 30 years, and the average gestational age is 35 weeks, 32 cases of caesareansection, and 10 cases of normal delivery.CONCLUSION: We describe epidemiological data, demographics, signs and symptoms onadmission, laboratory results, comorbidities, infection COVID‑19 in the mothers and neonates,chest radiography and computed tomography findings, treatment received for COVID‑19, andclinical maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes. Due to the fact that the study population issmall consist of 42 mothers with COVID‑19 infection, among all PCR samples from infantsborn to COVID‑19 positive mothers, the PCR result of one case was positive, and the rest ofwas negative. Therefore, vertical transmission of COVID‑19 through the placenta to the fetuscannot be confirmed or denied, nor can the COVID‑19 confirmed or denied the baby’s postnatalcomplication during pregnancy.

---

• View Article
• PDF 792.67 K

Age‑standardized mortality rate and predictors of mortality among COVID‑19 patients in Iran

. Rahmatollah Moradzadeh; . Seyed Mohammad Jamalian; . Javad Nazari; . Alireza Kamali; . Bahman Sadeghi; . Zahra Hosseinkhani; . Masoomeh Sofian; . Maryam Zamanian

Volume 11, Issue 4 , May 2021, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: To have a thorough understanding of epidemic surveillance, it is essential to broadenour knowledge of death tolls worldwide. This study aimed to determine the age‑standardized ...  Read More BACKGROUND: To have a thorough understanding of epidemic surveillance, it is essential to broadenour knowledge of death tolls worldwide. This study aimed to determine the age‑standardized mortalityrate (ASMR) and predictors of mortality among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) patients.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross‑sectional design, all COVID‑19 patients with apositive polymerase chain reaction test in the population covered by Arak University of MedicalSciences (AUMS) were entered to the study. Data collection was conducted by phone interview.The study variables comprised age, sex, coronary heart diseases, diabetes, and some symptomsat admission. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained bylogistic regression. The direct method was applied to calculate ASMR (per 100,000) of COVID‑19.The analysis was applied by STATA software 12.0.RESULTS: A total of 208 cases of COVID‑19 (out of 3050 total infected cases) were dead and2500 cases were recovered. The mean age of dead patients was 70 years. The COVID‑19 fatalityrate in the population equaled 6.8%; in those patients who were 70 years old or more, however, thecase fatality rate was 16.4%. The ASMR of COVID‑19 was 12.9 (CI 95%: 11.2, 14.8). The odds ofCOVID‑19‑related death in the age over 60 were 10.87 (CI 95%: 6.30, 18.75) times than lower 45 yearsold. Moreover, it was observed that COVID‑19 significantly increased the odds of COVID‑19‑relateddeath in diabetes patients (OR = 1.45, CI 95%: 1.02, 2.06, P = 0.036).CONCLUSION: The ASMR of COVID‑19 was relatively higher in males than females. In general, theCOVID‑19 fatality rate was relatively high. We found that older age and diabetes can have impacton the death of COVID‑19, but the headache was found to have a negative association with theCOVID‑19‑related death.

---

• View Article
• PDF 654.43 K

Learning with lockdown: Utility of whatsApp status‑based multiple‑choice question discussion on COVID‑19 among medical students and teaching faculty

. Sunil Kumar Doddaiah; . Praveen Kulkarni; . Aparna Mohandas; . M. R. Narayana Murthy

Volume 11, Issue 4 , May 2021, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Following the COVID‑19 pandemic, the Government of India announced lockdownfrom March 25, 2020, which included measures such as social distancing, canceling mass gatherings,and ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Following the COVID‑19 pandemic, the Government of India announced lockdownfrom March 25, 2020, which included measures such as social distancing, canceling mass gatherings,and closure of schools and colleges. Since the present generation of students spends a lot of timeon social media, especially WhatsApp, the utility of the same to discuss the various public healthdomains of COVID‑19 through multiple‑choice questions (MCQs) was explored.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This longitudinal study was conducted among 154participants (undergraduates, interns, postgraduates, and teaching faculty) for 3 months. MCQs onCOVID‑19 were disseminated through WhatsApp status of the investigator, and feedback regardingthe same was taken at the end of 3 months. The activity log was maintained, and the information wasdownloaded as a comma‑separated value (CSV) file and exported to MS Excel. Descriptive statistics wereapplied. The location of the participants was entered into the Microsoft Excel sheet and converted intoCSV file. The Geographical data were analyzed in the Quantum Geographical information System (QGIS).RESULTS: Among the 154 study participants, 48% were undergraduates, 10.4% were interns,30.6% were postgraduates, and 11% were teaching faculty. Eighty‑nine percent of the participantsfelt that WhatsApp can be used as a platform for discussing MCQs. 89%, 93%, and 89.6% of theparticipants felt that the exercise improved their analytical skills, helped in self‑directed learning, andimproved collaborative learning, respectively.CONCLUSIONS: Majority of the participants responded that WhatsApp can be used as a platformto discuss MCQs and that the exercise helped in collaborative and self‑directed learning.

---

• View Article
• PDF 895.29 K

Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice towards COVID-19 among paramedical staff in Central India: A cross-sectional, online survey

. Chaitali Ashish Chindhalore; . Ganesh Natthuji Dakhale; . Amrita Umathe

Volume 11, Issue 4 , May 2021, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Knowledge of a disease can influence paramedic’s attitudes and practices, andincorrect attitudes and practices directly increase the risk of infection. Understanding ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Knowledge of a disease can influence paramedic’s attitudes and practices, andincorrect attitudes and practices directly increase the risk of infection. Understanding paramedic’sknowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) and possible risk factors helps to predict the outcomesof planned behavior. To assess KAP regarding COVID‑19 through Google form among paramedicalstaff at tertiary care teaching institutes of central India.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional, multicentric, questionnaire‑based study wasconducted from May 2020 to August 2020 among 230 paramedical staff from two tertiary careteaching institutes through Google form. Data were analyzed by Chi‑square test and parametric testusing GraphPad prism software version 5.0.RESULTS: All participants had knowledge about symptomatology of COVID‑19. However, significantlymore participants in nursing cadre know about definition of close contact. The mean knowledgescore was 4.84 ± 0.6. The mean score for attitude was 4.48 ± 0.83. Overall, 54.78% of paramedicalstaff follow correct prevention strategies. Of them, significantly more nursing staff correctly practiceinfection control measures upon arrival of COVID‑19 patients (P = 0.033). There was a significantdifference among both groups regarding wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment whiletransporting/accompanying patients who are confirmed with COVID 19 (P = 0.009). The overall scorefor practice is 3.97 ± 1.03. The practice score was significantly better in nursing cadre as comparedto nonnursing cadre (P = 0.038).CONCLUSION: Majority of the participants had good knowledge and positive attitude. Nursing cadrefollows better preventive practices as compared to nonnursing cadre while performing COVID‑relatedduties. Considering these facts, dodges responsible for poor practices should be identified andresolved so that India will be able to conquest the battle against the disease.

---

• View Article
• PDF 583.7 K

Approaches and perspectives for online learning during the COVID‑19 pandemic and future chaos

. Shagufta Nesar; . Kiran Rafiq; . Muhammad Rizwan; . Syed Mehmood Hasan

Volume 11, Issue 4 , May 2021, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Online learning (OLL) methodology has been incorporated in higher educationextensively on the mount over the last few decades and with the onset of COVID‑19 situation, ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Online learning (OLL) methodology has been incorporated in higher educationextensively on the mount over the last few decades and with the onset of COVID‑19 situation, thevirtual method in academia became essential. After observing worldly destructions and death dueto coronavirus, the WHO declared a high alert emergency, and since Pakistan started to followlockdown since March 2020 to prevent high penetration and consequently, the online teaching methodwas adapted to keep the learning atmosphere alive. The study is aimed to identify the influencingfactors and compliance for the implementation of the OLL system in COVID‑19 and, in the future,nonpandemic state as well.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is designed to observe the adaptability and hurdlesamong pharmacy students, and for the purpose of the study, a questionnaire on the Likert scale wasdeveloped and asked to respond from pharmacy undergraduate and postgraduate students aftertaking consensus, which further analyzed through IBM SPSS Statistics Version 26.RESULTS: The outcomes of the study were analyzed with a high level of conformity; however, thegender‑based reservations were observed, and moreover, merits of OLL were observed with highjeopardy.CONCLUSION: The adaptation of OLL, though proved as the only troubleshooter in an uncontrollablesituation and enabled universities, professors, and students for patience, resilience, and hopefully,will serve as swift safeguard for future challenges of epidemic and pandemic disasters. Accordingto the evolution theory, brain adaptability and plasticity of human organisms grow the capacity toadjust itself with an advanced characteristic.

---

• View Article
• PDF 554.26 K

The effect of coronavirus (COVID‑19) pandemic on medical sciences education in Iran

. Habibolah Rezaei; . Aliakbar Haghdoost; . Hamid Akbari Javar; . Reza Dehnavieh; . Shahintaj Aramesh; . Nasrin Dehgani; . Mohamad Tahmasbi Sisakht

Volume 11, Issue 4 , May 2021, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: COVID‑19 has a great impact on medical sciences education. Some researcheshave been conducted on the effects of the COVID‑19 pandemic on medical sciences educationin ...  Read More BACKGROUND: COVID‑19 has a great impact on medical sciences education. Some researcheshave been conducted on the effects of the COVID‑19 pandemic on medical sciences educationin the world. The aim of this study was to identify the effects of this disease on medical scienceseducation in Iran.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This futures study research was carried out using the future wheelmethod in Iran’s University of Medical Sciences in the spring of 2020. A semi‑structured interviewwas also conducted on the vice chancellors of medical sciences universities, faculty presidents,faculty vice chancellors, faculty members, medical education specialists, and university students,who were purposefully identified. The interview continued until achieving data saturation. Analysisof the interviews was performed by MAXQDA version 10 software.RESULTS: The effects were presented at three levels including primary effects, secondary effects,and third effects. In addition, 16 primary effects, 51 secondary effects, and 24 tertiary effects wererecognized. One primary effect of the coronavirus (COVID‑19) pandemic on medical scienceseducation in Iran was fear, stress, and anxiety among students and faculty members as well asstaffs to get the disease. In addition, rumor was circulated concerning the infection of some people,thus, there was a need for holding courses regarding stress management and rumor management.One secondary effect of the coronavirus (COVID‑19) pandemic on medical sciences education inIran was allocation of a number of educational hospitals to the referral hospitals of COVID‑19. Onetertiary effect of the coronavirus (COVID‑19) pandemic on medical sciences education in Iran wasincreasing the number of virtual courses.CONCLUSIONS: The most important effect of this disease on medical sciences education is thepostponement of practical and apprenticeship classes, and consequently the increased length of theacademic term that leads to delay in the students’ graduation, which can reduce the workforce. Onthe one hand, this disease causes death of a number of students, educational and medical staffs,and faculty members, as well as reduces the workforce. Also, lengthening the recruitment of facultymembers will add to this challenge. In this regard, there is a need to plan to compensate for theshortage of required human resources.

---

• View Article
• PDF 553.45 K

Challenges for dental professionals during COVID‑19 pandemic: Are we prepared?

. Mukesh Kumar; . Truppti P. Sonone; . Alok Kumar Shukla; . Kumar Tathagat Singh; . Jay Kishore; . M. Harsha

Volume 11, Issue 4 , May 2021, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: With the emerging knowledge and understanding of novel coronavirus infection,dentists must be capable of resuming their practice with necessary precautions in near future; ...  Read More BACKGROUND: With the emerging knowledge and understanding of novel coronavirus infection,dentists must be capable of resuming their practice with necessary precautions in near future; hence,the aim of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practices along with feltchallenges by the dentists concerning practicing dentistry during pandemic in India.MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online cross‑sectional questionnaire study was conducted onthe dental practitioners of Uttarakhand, India. The dentists were approached by obtaining theirE‑mail address from the heads of dental institutions or dental association branches in the state. Theknowledge, attitude, and practices along with apparent challenges of practicing during pandemicwere assessed using closed‑ended questionnaire. The relationship between the mean scores anddemographic variables was determined using Student’s unpaired t‑test by keeping the significancelevel below 0.05.RESULTS: Out of 759 respondents, a total of 458 respondents were male (60%), whereas 301 (40%)were female. The mean knowledge scores were higher in females (11.06 ± 2.12) compared tomales (9.72 ± 4.53), which was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The mean practice score was lowerin males (17.49 ± 6.47) compared to females (19.26 ± 6.69) and likewise lower scores were seen ingraduates compared to specialists and these differences were again statistically significant (P < 0.05).Majority of the study participants felt that following various safety guidelines were not feasible (96.97%)and too expensive (96.44%) and considered them as a challenge.CONCLUSION: It is imperative that dentists should be fully prepared before resuming their servicesand reach the right kind of awareness to limit the spread of the disease.

---

• View Article
• PDF 454.2 K

Knowledge, skill, and preventive behaviors regarding COVID‑19 among the public in Shahrekord of Iran

. Elahe Tavassoli; . Fatemeh Baghernezhad Hesary

Volume 11, Issue 4 , May 2021, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: COVID‑19 is a serious and costly problem for communities. Observing healthissues and performing preventive behaviors is influenced by their knowledge and skills of peopletoward ...  Read More BACKGROUND: COVID‑19 is a serious and costly problem for communities. Observing healthissues and performing preventive behaviors is influenced by their knowledge and skills of peopletoward COVID‑19. Hence, this study investigated the knowledge, skill, and practice of the public ofShahrekord toward COVID‑19.MATERIALS AND METHOD: The present study was performed as a cross sectional. Data werecollected using an online questionnaire from 540 Shahrekord residents who were selected viaconvenience sampling in 2020. Knowledge, skill, and practice toward COVID‑19 were assessedusing a prevalidated questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed by SPSS‑21 software (one‑wayanalysis of variance, Pearson test, and regression test).RESULTS: In this study, 39.1% were male, and 60.9% were female and 46.3% were 20–25 years.The mean score of knowledge, skill, and preventive behaviors was 75.69 ± 17.85, 53.87 ± 27.40,and 59.97 ± 23.79, respectively. There was a significant direct relationship between knowledgeand skill (P = 0.05 and r = 081) so that public with more knowledge had a better skill as well.There was a significant association between age (P = 0.036), education level (P = 0.019) , andjob (P = 0.014) with knowledge. In addition, a significant association between job (P = 0.027) andmarital status (P = 0.014) with skill was observed. Knowledge, skill, and demographic variablespredict 37.6% preventive behavior.CONCLUSION: The majority of the participants had good knowledge, moderate skill, and relativelyenough practice. Government and policymakers must consider these knowledge levels, skill, andpractices to implement productive interventions for preventing the COVID‑19.

---

• View Article
• PDF 507.73 K

Adaptive coping strategies used by people during coronavirus

. Sarah Javed; . Heena Parveen

Volume 11, Issue 3 , March 2021, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Coronavirus (COVID‑19) a worldwide pandemic has significantly affectedlife of people around the globe. It has also caused various psychological issues among publicsuch ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Coronavirus (COVID‑19) a worldwide pandemic has significantly affectedlife of people around the globe. It has also caused various psychological issues among publicsuch as uncertainty, fear, anxiety, and of course stress. Globalization has facilitated it and hasadded greater complexity to the containment of infection leading to urgent call for public healthchallenge. Consequently, a multilevel stress coping adjustment process is going on. Hence, it isimperative to explore how people are affected psychologically and how they are coping with it.People are adopting different strategies for coping up from this challenging situation. In this sense,the present study intended to: explore which coping strategies were of relevance for people foradjusting in COVID‑19 crises and were sociodemographic factors influencing the coping strategies.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research is descriptive study. For the present study, a sampleof 475 participants was asked for coping strategies used by them using valid and reliable scales.RESULTS: Results revealed that positive attitude and trust in God were the most used adaptivecoping strategies and sociodemographic variables were playing a significant role in adaptive copingstrategies.CONCLUSION: Hence, understanding and identification of coping strategies and their relationshipwith demographic variables can help health professionals to direct interventions to control stressorsrelated to the pandemics.

---

• View Article
• PDF 600.62 K

Feasibility and usefulness of online virtual training of urology residents in times of COVID‑19: A single‑center experience and an evidence‑based strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat analysis

. Tushar Aditya Narain; . Ankur Mittal; . Vanya Singh; . Vikas Kumar Panwar

Volume 11, Issue 3 , March 2021, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The COVID‑19 disease has resulted in an almost complete shutdown of all servicesworldwide. Hospitals continued to provide emergency services and treatment for COVID‑19 ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The COVID‑19 disease has resulted in an almost complete shutdown of all servicesworldwide. Hospitals continued to provide emergency services and treatment for COVID‑19 disease.Teaching hospitals like ours had another responsibility at hand; training of our surgical residents.Not allowing this pandemic to take away months of training, we resorted to online virtual trainingprograms, for continuing academic activities. After having conducted thirty such sessions, we tookfeedback from the participating students and faculty members to evaluate the usefulness of this newinitiative and identify the lacunae that needed to be addressed.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The initial twenty classes were held on the GoTo Meeting ® onlineplatform, whereas the last ten were conducted using the Google Meet application. A 20‑itemquestionnaire covering four broad domains of general perception, feasibility, knowledge gained, anddrawbacks was circulated, and 19 responses were registered anonymously. Strength, weakness,opportunity, and threat analysis was done based on the responses received.RESULTS: About 89.5% of the participants believed that online classes were the ideal platform forcontinuing education and 84.2% of the participants were overall satisfied with the whole exercise. TheAchilles’ heel was the availability of a good Internet connection, and the major lacunae were the poorquality of video and audio transmission. Seventy‑four percent of the participants wanted to continueonline training in the future too, whereas 26% wanted to revert to the traditional face‑to‑face teaching.CONCLUSION: Online virtual training classes are an effective and feasible alternative to traditionalteaching in times such as these, which demanded strict social distancing. It naturally lacked thewarmth and personal touch of the traditional teaching classes, but it allowed us to continue teachingour residents and also prepare them to face the biggest menace of all times.

---

• View Article
• PDF 825.61 K

Exploring the knowledge, attitude, and practice of health‑care professionals on coronavirus (COVID‑19) pandemic infection

. Meenu Rani; . Ishan Sharma; . Shivangi Sharma; . Lokendra Sharma; . Susheel Kumar

Volume 11, Issue 3 , March 2021, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: To prevent the rapid spread of infectious COVID‑19 in India, many steps have beentaken. Adherence to the control measures depends on the knowledge, attitude, and practices ...  Read More BACKGROUND: To prevent the rapid spread of infectious COVID‑19 in India, many steps have beentaken. Adherence to the control measures depends on the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAPs)toward COVID‑19 disease in health‑care professionals. The present study was conducted amonghealth‑care professionals in Jaipur. The objective was to evaluate the KAPs about COVID‑19 amonghealth‑care professionals.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 385 participants took part in the study. A self‑designedquestionnaire was filled by the participants online (Google Form). The knowledge of the participantswas assessed using 12 questions. Attitude and practices of the participants were assessed by twoquestions for each.RESULTS: Among the study completers, 52.20% were male, 71.42% of the participants were agedabove 30 years, and 59.22% were nurse. The knowledge score was approximately 90%. The majorityof the participants had a strong conviction that India can overcome this infectious disease in the nearfuture. Multiple regression analysis found that good knowledge score of COVID‑19 was associatedwith lower negative attitudes and less risky practices (P ˂ 0.001).CONCLUSION: Participants of the study were knowledgeable, held positive attitudes, and hadadequate practices for COVID‑19.

---

• View Article
• PDF 914.35 K

Rapid transition to online teaching program during COVID‑19 lockdown: Experience from a medical college of India

. Amir Maroof Khan; . Somdatta Patra; . Piyush Gupta; . Arun Kumar Sharma; . Anil K. Jain

Volume 11, Issue 3 , March 2021, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: COVID‑19 pandemic has forced medical colleges around the world to shift toonline teaching. There is hardly any evidence regarding such rapid transitions to online teaching,especially ...  Read More BACKGROUND: COVID‑19 pandemic has forced medical colleges around the world to shift toonline teaching. There is hardly any evidence regarding such rapid transitions to online teaching,especially from resource‑poor settings. We share our experience of developing an online teachingprogram based on teachers’ and students’ feedback.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mixed methods study was conducted during the COVID‑19lockdown period in a public‑funded medical institute of India. Online feedback was obtained 3 weeksafter the beginning of emergency remote teaching. The responses by the students and teachersshaped the final online teaching program which reinforced the perceived strengths and addressedthe weaknesses. Observations were made for the proportion of scheduled lectures delivered throughdigital platform and students’ attendance in the 1st week and last week of the study period.RESULTS: Feedback was obtained from 367 students and 56 teachers. Around three‑fourths of thestudents (76.7%) and teachers (73.2%) were satisfied with online teaching. The themes generated forbenefits of online teaching were similar for both students and teachers, but the perceived challengesdiffered. Students found online teaching more stressful, and teachers were apprehensive of the newtechnology and lack of a controlled environment.CONCLUSIONS: A rapid transition to development and implementation of an online teaching programwas found to be feasible and acceptable to the primary stakeholders. Not only the content but studentengagement and supportive environment for both students and teachers are essential requirementsin the context of an online undergraduate teaching program.

---

• View Article
• PDF 668.19 K