Self-Perceived Competence and Learning Barriers of Medical Students in Family and Community Medicine Clerkship During COVID-19 Pandemic

Medical studies during the COVID-19 pandemic faced several obstacles that may affect students’ self-perceived competence. Objectives: This study aims to determine students' self-perceived competence in family and community medicine clerkships and learning barriers faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on medical students of Medical Faculty Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati Indonesia who underwent family and community medicine clerkships during COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected through a validated questionnaire to determine self-perceived competence in the area of competency: Managing health problems. The core competency was broken down into 6 competency components based on Indonesian Doctor Competency Standards (SKDI-2012). The questionnaire also contains questions about the most memorable activities and learning barriers faced by the students. Results: There were 49 students who participated in this study, consisting of 28.6% male and 71.4% female. There were no students who have low self-perceived competence in all competency components. Several learning barriers were identified, whether related to COVID-19 or not. Internet connection is the main obstacle when learning online (63.3%). The limitation of health services (49%) and the risk of being infected with COVID-19 (44.4%) were the major learning barriers in public health services. Language differences (30.6%) and limited types of drugs at public health centre (12.2%) were also faced by students. Conclusions: Medical students in family and community medicine clerkship have moderate and high self-perceived competencies even though they face several learning barriers. However, actions are needed to minimize the learning barriers.