An Analysis of Factors Associated with Internet Connectivity Challenges in Post-COVID Medical Education Settings
- Dr maryim Saddique, PMC Rawalakot
- Dr Tayyaba Manzoor, PMC Rawalakot
- Dr Maria khanum, AMC abbattobad
- Dr maryam javed, poonch medical college Rawalakot
- Dr Ibrar Nisar, Poonch medical college Rawalakot
- Dr Attia Mahmood, Ayub Medical College
ABSTRACT
Introduction: In Pakistan, digital technology has not been considered for medical education under normal circumstances. Hence, Corona virus disease–2019 (Covid–19) caused abrupt transition to online medical education. This study was conducted at the AJK (Azad Jammu & Kashmir) Medical College, Muzaffarabad to compare post–Covid online education with traditional face–to–face teaching. The AJK is “Pakistan–administered Kashmir” which is internationally recognized as a disputed territory whose topography is mainly mountainous with an urban–rural ratio of 17:83.
Methods: A quantitative questionnaire was electronically circulated to medical students of third, fourth and fifth year MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery) classes in this public sector medical college of the capital city of the AJK using a descriptive cross–sectional study design.
Results: In our study, 70% of the undergraduate medical students out of a study population of 122 faced difficulty during online learning due to unstable internet connectivity. Logistic regression analysis concluded residing in rural settings and non–availability of the DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) at home as predictors of the difficulty being faced by the students due to unstable internet connection.
Discussion: Undergraduate medical students were found to be dissatisfied with the post–Covid online education because they were hurriedly shifted to it without technological infrastructure and digital equity. However, Covid–19 pandemic has provided an impetus for the future advancement in medical education by ensuring digital equity and establishment of technological infrastructure.
Keywords: online; AJK; COVID–19; medical teaching; Pakistan