Perceptions of undergraduate medical students regarding the educational environment: A baseline study

Abstract

Introduction: Perception regarding the educational environment in an institute is related to various factors like motivation, satisfaction, and effective learning of medical students. Objective: To determine undergraduate medical students’ perceptions from first to final year class regarding educational the environment in their institute. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a private Medical and Dental College in Lahore; during the time period of July 19-Oct 19. A sample of 375 was taken, equally divided among all five classes, and across gender & Purposive sampling was applied. The data collection instrument was DREEM Questionnaire. Socio-demographic and variables of DREEM were included in the study. Results:163 male and 203 female students participated. DREEM total mean score was 118.44±19.41, and 299(81.7%)had responded to it to be more positive than negative. Independent sample t-test found a significant P-value <0.05 with gender& residential status for total as well as subunit domains of DREEM. One-way ANOVA again showed significant P-values<0.05 for total as well as subunit domains of DREEM. Conclusion: Assessment of the educational environment should be conducted on a regular basis in order to have a successful environment. This will in turn be beneficial for the students as well as the institution in a timely manner; and will definitely help in improving the teaching and learning environment in the institution by taking the necessary actions in weaker areas.  

Keywords: Educational environment, DREEM, undergraduate, Medical student