Medical Students’ Perceptions of the Implemented Curriculum at Sinnar Medical School: A Cross-Sectional Study from Sudan

Abstract

Medical school curriculum evaluation is necessary to document outcomes, determine the effectiveness of educational programs, and meet accreditation requirements. This has become more difficult over the last decade, and it is critical to carefully assess the conclusion. The purpose of this research was to gather information from Sinnar medical students regarding their perceptions of the curriculum, learning, teachers, and academic self-perception. Methodology: A cross-sectional analytic quantitative study including under and freshly graduated students was conducted in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Sinnar, Sudan, between the 18th of January 2021 and the 2nd of February 2022. Data was collected using a validated questionnaire including student perception of learning, student perception of teachers, academic self-perception, and student self-perception. Results: A total of 705 students participated in this study. Of them, 443 (63.1%) were females, with the majority from second years (35.8%) followed by fourth-year (21.6%). A 433 (64.5%) agreed that the teaching is students centred, and teaching helped them in their development (68.0%). In addition, nearly half of the participants (58.1%) stated that the teacher communicated clearly and understandably. Unfortunately, 44.6% said that the exam did not achieve all the course objectives. The most tension-induced places were the dissection room (DR) accounting (70.3%) followed by lecture halls (55.6%). The most common reason for not enhancing research skills is the unavailability of the research department (72.8%), along with the stress associated with the curriculum due to a lack of enough time for different activities (63.8%). Significant differences between males and females were found when answering questions regarding research skills and students' involvement in curriculum time management. Conclusion: Most students have a positive impression towards the local curriculum, learning, and engaged teachers. More studies with more standardization and specification regarding curriculum content, Curriculum structure and strategies, should be conducted in the future.