Effect of Integrated Sessions of Anatomy and Physiology on Academic Performance

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the effect of integrated sessions of anatomy and physiology on the academic performance of medical students

Study Design: Cross-sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Anatomy Department, Rashid Latif Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan and Azra Naheed Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan from January 2023 to
December 2023.

Methods: A total of 360 students who attended at least 80% of sessions participated, while those with prior coursework or significant absenteeism were excluded. Data were collected through written exams, practical tests, quizzes, and feedback questionnaires. Statistical analysis using SPSS included independent t-tests to compare performance between integrated and traditional teaching methods, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Attendance of integrated sessions more than 80 % predicted significantly higher mean scores (79.8% written, student's t-test p<0.001; 82.3%, practicals p=4x10-9; 75.7% quizzes P =2 x10–29) over attendance of less than or equal to approximately <70%. Independent t-tests confirmed that performance differed significantly (t = 5.12, p <.001). Among the feedback received, 84.44% of students agreed that integrated teaching helped increase their understanding and critical thinking capabilities.

Conclusion: Combined anatomy and physiology sessions can improve the academic performance of medical students, and scores were higher than traditional teaching methods only for high attendants (>80%)