Investigating the Availability and Utilization of Evidence Based Medicine Education for Medical Students in Sudan: a cross sectional study
Authors: Amin Mohammed Hammad Jaber , Ibrahim Eltayep Hasab Elrasoul Noureldaiem , Mohmmed Fatima Saif Alyazal Ahmed , Haydar Mohammed , Mohammed Amjed Siddig Khalid , Abdelrahman Tasneem , Wedatalla Rayan Abdalla Elawad , Salah Leina Elfatih , Karar Abdalazez Mohamed Ali , Hussain Aseel Hisham Mohamed Abdelhalim Hakim , Yassen Ola Yaser Mohammed , Saeed Ayat Yousif Mohammed Mohammed , Abdelrahman Shahd Abdelkhalig , Mohammed Omer A , Babiker Ebaa Awad Alla , Adam Elaf Ali , Mohmad Suzan Malik 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is "the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients. It has become an essential part of practicing in all the aspects of healthcare. Objective :we aimed to investigate the availability and utilization of evidence based medicine education for medical students in sudan. Methods : The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional online survey of Sudanese medical students via convenience sampling. Data collection spanned from September 18, 2023, to March 10, 2023, disseminated through various social media platforms. The questionnaire, developed with input from faculty members, covered sociodemographic data, search engine usage, evidence-based medicine (EBM) skills, attitudes toward EBM, and knowledge of EBM terms. Randomization of questions and response validation were utilized to minimize bias. Data were collected via Google Forms and analyzed using R and SPSS software. Statistical tests included t-tests, Mann-Whitney U, chi-square, or Fisher exact tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The cross-sectional study encompassed 1201 Sudanese medical students from various private and public schools. Most participants were female (61.0%), with a mean age of 22.36 ± 2.36 years. Majority were fourth-year students (25.4%), followed by second (20.1%), third (21.0%), and fifth-year (22.6%) students. Over half (51.3%) had attended previous EBM training, with 71.4% having taken research methodology courses. However, only 50.4% read scientific literature monthly or less, and 30.8% never did. Google, Wikipedia, and Google Scholar were predominant search engines. Students who attended EBM training showed significantly higher usage of various databases. Medical books were the primary source of information (92.4%). Self-reported EBM skills varied, with no significant difference between trained and untrained students. Attitudes towards EBM were generally positive, though variations existed. Understanding of EBM terms varied, with case report being the most recognized study design term. In patient care, most students rated their EBM skills as average. Conclusion : Medical students lack knowledge and skills related to Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) and have a neutral attitude towards its use in healthcare practice. Many rely on non-scientific search engines for medical information due to limited access to institutional resources. They primarily obtain medical information from books and lecture notes, highlighting the need for education on accessing scientific literature.