Assessing students' knowledge of subdisciplines in Anatomy

Abstract

CONTEXT: In recent times, the knowledge of anatomy has been broadened to a wide range of subdisciplines such as forensic science, sports medicine, and medical genetics. Despite these recent trends, anatomy undergraduates are faced with challenges of areas of specialization and limited or no job placement for a degree in anatomy. AIM: This study was therefore aimed at assessing the students' knowledge of subdisciplines in Anatomy. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This study was a cross-sectional survey study that involved the use of questionnaires and was carried out in Delta State University Abraka and University of Benin, Benin City. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two-hundred and ninety-seven semistructured, close-ended questionnaires were administered to Delta State University Abraka and University of Benin undergraduates, from whom due consents have been obtained to fill. Respondents' sociodemographic factors, university levels, and awareness of the various subspecialties in Anatomy were recorded. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The results obtained are presented in simple percentages and frequencies, with illustrations represented in tables and figures. RESULTS: The study recorded the highest percentage in Histochemistry and Histology which accounted for 14.06%. This was followed by Clinical Embryology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Mortuary Science, and Neuroscience which constituted 13.71%, 12.49%, 11.73%, and 11.38%, respectively. Lower percentages were recorded in Comparative Anatomy (8.80%), Biometrics and Forensic Biology (9.00%), and Clinical Genetics (9.81%). It further showed the lowest percentages in Sports Science and Bioanthropology which constituted 3.74% and 5.20%, respectively. The findings from this study also showed no differences between males and females as to who is more interested in Anatomy. Furthermore, results from the mode of admission showed that a higher percentage of students were admitted by chance (56.6%) than by choice (43.4%). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that students have an adequate knowledge of subdisciplines introduced during their course of study but lacked adequate knowledge in some major career prospects in Anatomy.