Level of knowledge and perceived challenges associated with learning movement disorders topics: a critical review of final-year medical students at a Nigerian private university.

Abstract

Background: To determine the level of knowledge and challenges associated with learning movement disorders among final-year medical students.

Methodology: A cross-sectional survey of 79 final-year medical students at the Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State. Consenting students filled out the study questionnaire, which consisted of socio-demographic variables and questions on the knowledge and challenges of learning movement disorders. Data were collected and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 20.
Results: The mean age of the study participants was 27.41±2.78 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.3:1. Almost (91.1%) of all the study participants had heard about parkinsonism from their lectures, followed by chorea (88.6%). More than half of the participants knew about one type of movement disorder or the other. Forty-three (54.4%) students expressed difficulty understanding movement disorder lectures. Inadequate exposure to patients with movement disorders and lack of audiovisual aids to enhance the learning experience were the greatest challenges in learning movement disorders.
Conclusion: Parkinsonism was the most recognized movement disorder among the study participants. More than half of the participants admitted to having challenges with movement disorder lectures. The paucity of movement disorder cases during clinical rotation and lack of teaching aids were cited as major challenges affecting learning and appreciation of movement disorder lectures. Medical educators are encouraged to deploy appropriate methods that optimize the learning experience among medical students during movement disorder lectures.