Document Type : Original Article
Authors
- . Mila Nu Nu Htay
- . Swe Swe Latt 1
- . Adinegara Lutfi Abas
- . Neena Chuni 2
- . Htoo Htoo Kyaw Soe
- . Soe Moe
1 Unit of Community Medicine, Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology, Kedah, Malaysia
2 Departments of Community Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Melaka Manipal Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Malacca
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Family planning and contraception is the effective strategy to reduce maternal
mortality, child mortality, abortion, and unwanted pregnancies. Since the medical students are the
future doctors, it is important to have proper knowledge and training on family planning services. This
study aimed to explore the effect of teaching‑learning process at maternal and child health (MCH)
clinics on the students’ knowledge, perceptions toward contraception methods, and family planning
counselling.
METHODS: This quasi‑experimental study was conducted in the private medical institution in
Malaysia. The same questionnaire was used to administer twice, before and after the posting.
Moreover, a qualitative question on the issues related to family planning and contraception utilizations
in Malaysia was added to the after posting survey. The quantitative data were analyzed using IBM
SPSS (version 20) and qualitative data by RQDA software.
RESULTS: A total of 146 participants were recruited in this study. Knowledge on contraception
method before posting was 5.11 (standard deviation [SD] ±1.36) and after posting was
6.35 (SD ± 1.38) (P < 0.001). Thematic analysis of the students’ answer revealed four salient
themes, which were as follows: (1) cultural barrier, (2) misconception, (3) inadequate knowledge,
and (4) improvement for the health‑care services.
CONCLUSIONS: The teaching‑learning process at the MCH posting has an influence on their
perception and upgraded their knowledge. It also reflects the role of primary health‑care clinics on
medical students’ clinical exposure and training on family planning services during their postings.
Keywords
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