Students’ knowledge of COPD: projects ASCO-1 and ASCO-­2 results comparison

Abstract

The Aim: of study is to assess the dynamics of medical undergraduates’ knowledge of COPD basics. Materials and Methods: Following up our multicenter research ASCO-­1 (‘14­-‘16), conducted in 5 Russian cities, which 213 medical students of higher grades were tested in, we started ASCO-­2 project in 2017. Currently, we obtained the results from 221 undergraduates tested in 5 Russian and Ukrainian centers. The knowledge of COPD basics such as definition, pathogenesis, diagnostics and treatment was evaluated by using 19-single-choice-questions survey. Results: The average level of correct answers in both groups (ASCO-­1 and ASCO-­2) was not significantly decreased (54.5%-47.6% respectively, p>0.05), and varied from 20.2%-­23.3% to 74.6%­-81.1% in different questions. The most difficult question was still related to the statement about influenza vaccination role in the control of COPD exacerbations (20.2%-23.3%, p>0.05). There was a significant improvement in knowledge on such aspects as COPD risk factors (52.6%-81.1%, p 0.05), spirometry as a diagnosis confirmation method (62.0%-76.7%, p 0,05). Conclusion: It was revealed that despite the availability of plenty training and scientific literature in the area of COPD, the level of knowledge remains unsatisfactory. Thus, COPD subject should be studied more thoroughly in higher schools.