A survey of the use of electronic scientific information resources among medical and dental students
2006

Use of Electronic Resources by Medical and Dental Students

Sample size: 418 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Romanov Kalle, Aarnio Matti

Primary Institution: University of Helsinki

Hypothesis

How do medical and dental students utilize electronic information resources?

Conclusion

The study found that the use of electronic resources varies among students, with many not utilizing full-text articles.

Supporting Evidence

  • 24% of medical students and 20% of dental students searched MEDLINE at least twice a month for study purposes.
  • 33% of medical students and 10% of dental students read full-text articles at least 2-7 times a month.
  • 40% of students were non-users of full-text articles.

Takeaway

Medical and dental students use online resources differently, and many don't read full-text articles at all.

Methodology

A web survey was conducted with 837 students, and 49.9% responded.

Potential Biases

The survey may overestimate the usage of electronic resources as low-users may be underrepresented.

Limitations

The study's data collection method may have biased results, and the response rate was modest.

Participant Demographics

Medical and dental students from Helsinki University.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-6920-6-28

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