Awareness, knowledge and perception on MDGs among clinical students of Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos

Abstract

Background: The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are eight goals adopted by 189 nations and signed by 147 Heads of State and Governments during the UN Millennium Summit in September 2000 with the aim of attaining these goals by the year 2015. The aim of the study is to determine the awareness, knowledge and perception on MDGs among clinical medical students of Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos.

Methods: The sampling method was consecutive sampling of all the students until sample size was obtained. A total of 173 questionnaires were distributed and 171 were duly filled and returned.

Results: Analysis of the results obtained showed that about 90% of the students are aware of MDGs, Majority of the students heard about the MDGs by surfing the internet (59%), followed by information from television set (21%). The results from their responses showed that majority of them disagree that Nigerians felt the
impact of MDGs (52%, disagree and 15%, strongly disagree). The knowledge on MDGs was good in some indicators. The highest knowledge was on the education, environment and gender equality, with 60%, 54% and 40% respectively knowing that the MDGs had indicators on these. However, on health only 18% knew the correct number of indicators that were centered on health.

Conclusion: There will be need to educate the universities students on MDGs, so as to have a greater impact on the ongoing SDGs