@article {113, title = {Cost, Benefit and Risks Associated with in-Campus and off-Campus Accommodations of Medical Students: A cross-Sectional Study}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {4}, year = {2015}, month = {Sept 2015}, pages = {58-62}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {58}, abstract = {

Background: Students{\textquoteright} accommodation might influence their growth, behaviour and study performance. There is no clarity yet about safety issues, trends in substance abuse and on effect of type of accommodations on students{\textquoteright} academic performance. Objectives: To compare students{\textquoteright} perceptions regarding in campus and off campus accommodations with respect to cost, benefit and risks associated with them and also to investigate whether type of accommodation affect medical students{\textquoteright} academic performance. Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study, the data was collected using newly designed validated questionnaires from students who had stayed in campus accommodation (n=100) and students who had stayed in off campus accommodation (n=100). Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16. The group wise comparison was made using Mann-Whitney test. A p value of \< 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The difference in the direct cost related to in campus and off campus accommodation was INR 43, 800/month with in-campus accommodation exceeding over off campus accommodation. Off-campus accommodation was perceived as more comfortable than in-campus accommodation, promoting collaborative learning and alcohol and substance abuse (p\<0.05) compared to in-campus accommodation. In addition, students who stayed in the campus performed significantly better academically than those who stayed outside the campus. Conclusion: The outside hostel accommodation is favorable to students in terms of direct cost and benefits. However, risks, including alcohol and substance abuse must be considered and appropriate precautions should be taken and counseling must be provided to students to avoid these risks.

}, keywords = {Academic Performance, Accommodation, Benefits, Cost, Medical Students}, doi = {10.5530/ijpcs.4.3.5}, author = {Vasudha Devi and Sabrina Najiha Binti Mohamad Ashari and Syahirah Binti Abd Rashid and Muhammad Azim Bin NurAdlan and Mohamed Mazlan Bin Mohamed Musadiq} } @article {206, title = {Learning Habits of Undergraduate Medical Students in Pharmacology}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {4}, year = {2015}, month = {September 2015}, pages = {63-67}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {63}, abstract = {

Background: Learning pharmacology may be challenging to medical students as drug information is expanding and students are required to adopt suitable study habits to remember pharmacological aspects to develop higher cognitive skills for better academic performance. Objective: To compare the learning habits of students of various levels of academic performances in pharmacology. Methods and Material: Study was cross sectional in which students{\textquoteright} learning habits and examination scores in pharmacology were collected in a questionnaire. The questionnaire had Likert type items (1: never{\textendash}5: every time) related to learning habits of students that could influence academic performance in pharmacology. It was distributed to 2nd year MBBS students (n=243) after the two assessments in pharmacology. Based on the \% of marks obtained in previous assessments, students were categoriesed into 5 groups (1=\<50, 2=50-59, 3=60-69, 4=70-79, 5=80-100). Statistical analysis used: The categorical variables were described as median and interquartile range. Learning habits of students of various level of academic performances were compared using non parametric tests. A p value of \<0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Group 1 less frequently revised the topics more than two times compared to the group 2 (p=0.015) and 5 (p=0.002). Compared to groups 1, 2 and 3, group 5 had started the preparation \>3 days before the scheduled pharmacology class test (p\<0.05). Compared to failed students, students who passed had revised topics more than 2 times and had set the target score of \>60\% and did not momorise the topics by mere byhearting. Conclusion: Reinforcement in the form of revisions, goal setting and developing deeper understanding of concepts have emerged as major determinants of students{\textquoteright} performance in examination in pharmacology. Hence, students should be made aware of these aspects to improve the quality of studies.

}, keywords = {Academic Performance, Learning Habits, Medical, Pharmacology, Students}, doi = {10.5530/ijpcs.4.3.6}, author = {Vasudha Devi and Zulhashime bin Zulkifli and Abdul Hadi bin Abd Rahman and Nurul Wahida Amalin binti Razali and Nur Atiqah binti Md Salehuddin} }