Reasons for Difficult Topics in Anatomy and Their Solutions as Per Undergraduate Medical Students

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To identify the topics difficult to understand in learning Anatomy and to investigate the reasons of difficulty and their possible solutions.
 METHODS: This descriptive observational study was conducted at Army Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan from April to November 2019. Open ended and validated questionnaires were filled by 205 undergraduate medical students at the end of their academic year to ensure that complete course of anatomy including gross anatomy, histology and embryology were covered by students. Students were asked to specify the problem area, the subtopics, give the reasons for topics being difficult and mention possible solutions they think will help them in better understanding of these difficult areas. The problems having 5 or less number of responses were not included in the analysis.
 RESULTS: Embryology, histology & neuroanatomy were perceived as the most difficult areas by 89%, 62% & 61% of students respectively. Constraint of time (41% for gross anatomy & 26% for embryology), high difficulty level (35% for embryology & 29% for gross anatomy) and difficulty in differentiation of slides (34% for histology) were the main reasons for problems in understanding the topics. Use of more 3-D aids (61%) & revision classes along with written tests (39%) were commonest possible solutions for perceived difficulties by students.
 CONCLUSION: Embryology has been perceived as the most difficult topic of anatomy by the students of second year MBBS followed by gross anatomy and Histology. Time constrain was suggested as main reason and Use of 3-D aids as main solution for difficulties.

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