Knowledge about the Environmental Dimension in Medical Students and Family Medicine Residents

Abstract

Introduction: Environmental damage is increasing over time; global environmental problems are growing every day, whether due to natural or man-made causes. This brings about the appearance and worsening of various diseases, based on the relationship between environmental problems and health problems. For this reason, physicians must have deep understanding of this relationship, which will allow them to carry out their various functions better, including educational ones.

Objective: To assess, in sixth-year medical students and in first-year residents of Family Medicine, their level of knowledge about the environmental dimension.

Methods: A knowledge survey was applied, using the Moodle platform, about concepts, factors and problems related to the environment and their links with health problems. The respondents were 32 students in the sixth academic year of the Medicine major, a figure accounting for 35.55% of the total enrollment; as well as 29 Family Medicine residents also with the first academic year of their residency completed, which accounted for 55.76% of those enrolled. The samples belonging to Manuel Fajardo and Salvador Allende medical schools were randomly selected.

Results: The general result of the survey was 21.88% of approved respondents for students and 27.59% for residents. These coincided with a low percentage of correct answers in different questions; for example, those that explored important concepts such as environment and sustainable development, as well as that of Cuba's environmental problems and their effects, such as the deterioration of the hygienic-sanitary condition (environmental) in human settlements, among others.

Conclusions: The level of knowledge shown by students and residents about the environmental dimension shows cognitive deficiencies in this sphere and in its relationship with professional activity.