Community-Based Interprofessional Training for Undergraduate Medical Students Through Family Adoption Program centering on Infant and Young Child Feeding
Interprofessional Training for Undergraduate Medical Students Through Family Adoption Program
Keywords:
Communication Skills, Family Adoption Programme, Infant and Young Child Feeding, Interprofessional Training, Medical EducationAbstract
Background: The Family Adoption Programme (FAP), mandated by the National Medical Commission (NMC) for MBBS students, aims to connect medical education with community health by engaging students in rural settings. This study assesses the effectiveness of a community-based interprofessional training program integrated into the FAP, focusing on Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices.
Methods: This community-based single-arm interventional study was conducted in Manzoorgarhi village, Aligarh district, from November 2023 to August 2024. It involved 150 first-year MBBS students, alongside health. Baseline and post-intervention assessments were conducted to evaluate students' knowledge of IYCF, mothers' understanding, and changes in child nutrition status. Communication skills were assessed using a validated checklist, and anthropometric measurements were analyzed using WHO guidelines.
Results: The intervention significantly improved first-year students' knowledge of IYCF practices, with median scores increasing from 18 to 23 out of 25 (p<.001). Mothers' knowledge also improved, with median scores rising from 6 to 10 out of 12 (p<.001). Significant improvements were observed in meal frequency and dietary diversity among children. However, anthropometric changes, while positive, were not statistically significant. Students' communication skills showed substantial enhancement, with positive attitudes towards communication increasing from 86.7% to 98% post-intervention. Logbook completeness improved from a median of 127 to 144.5 (p<.001).
Conclusions: The interprofessional training program effectively enhanced MBBS students' knowledge and communication skills, benefiting both their educational experience and community health outcomes. The study underscores the value of integrating community-based interprofessional training into medical education to address critical public health issues and develop well-rounded, competent physicians.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Ali Jafar Abedi, Animesh Jain, Mohd Yasir Zubair, Saira Mehnaz, Nanditha R Sujir
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