Inadequacy of Musculoskeletal Knowledge Among Undergraduate Medical Students

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a significant public health problem. It has been observed that after leaving medical school, students are incapable of making a general assessment of the musculoskeletal system. Methods: Accordingly, a pilot study was planned using the Freedman and Bernstein questionnaire and carried out in medical schools in India. Three hundred and twelve students at different levels were enrolled and administered the questionnaire. The correctness score for each student was obtained in each group and compared with the recommended qualifying score. Results: For the sixth term and the ninth term, 44.61% and 50.71% students met the criterion, respectively, while interns showed the highest proportion of 71.42%. For the majority of the questions, the awareness level of ninth semester students and interns was better than that of sixth term students. Conclusion: Compared to studies in other countries, the situation in India is not different. Medical institutions should place stress on orthopaedic education to provide better physicians.

Keywords

• critical difference
• Marascuilo procedure
• musculoskeletal disorder