Difficulties faced by Medical Students of Southern Punjab in E-Learning during COVID-19. A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction:Amidst the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, this cross-sectional study investigates the specific difficulties encountered by medical students in southern Punjab while navigating the realm of e-learning in their academic pursuits Objective: The primary objective of this study was to ascertain the challenges faced by MBBS students in southern Punjab while participating in e-learning throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In May 2020, a cross-sectional study was undertaken during the first wave of COVID-19 lockdown among third and final-year MBBS students attending e-learning sessions. The sample comprised 32 male and 43 female students, totaling 85 in the third year and 18 in the final year, with a targeted response rate of 75 to achieve a 95% confidence interval. Results: The study findings reveal that a significant proportion of participants, comprising 66%, faced challenges in online classes owing to connectivity issues arising from their residency in less developed regions of southern Punjab. Forty percent of students did not face any difficulties during e-learning. Conclusion: Our study participants did not prefer e-learning, with many reporting internet connectivity issues, particularly those from southern Punjab.