Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of English, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
2 Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
3 Deparment of Anesthesiology, Molecular Medicine Research Center, Paramedical Sciences Faculty, Faculty of Medicine, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Communication apprehension (CA) is the fear or anxiety about communicating.
This study was designed to investigate the CA and its related factors in the medical students at
Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences (RUMS).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross‑sectional study, personal report of CA (PRCA‑24) was
administered to 340 medical and paramedical students to measure anxiety in four domains of large
groups, small groups, public speaking, and dyadic interaction. Pearson’s correlation and linear
regression analysis were used to investigate the relationship between CA and the variables of birth
order, number of siblings, and university entrance score. Data were analyzed using descriptive and
inferential statistics (Chi‑square and Kruskal–Wallis Test).
RESULTS: CA in the dimension of public speaking was higher than the other dimensions. Evaluation
of the economic stability and its relationship to CA indicated a significant difference among all the
domains of the PRCA‑24. There was a significant relationship between the scores of CA and the
number of siblings (P = 0.001). Linear regression and Pearson’s correlation tests indicated a significant
correlation between the variables of birth order, number of siblings, and university entrance score.
The correlation between the CA with dimensions of group discussion, interpersonal, speaking, and
meeting was weak but significant (P < 0.01).
CONCLUSION: Without communication, the materialization and development of the human
community are not possible. This aspect is more evident and crucial in the healthcare industry. Based
on the results of this study, the medical and paramedical students at RUMS have a medium‑to‑high
level of CA. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to detect students with high CA to prevent further
communication problems after graduation.
Keywords
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