Association of Covid-19 pandemic-related stress and depressive symptoms among international medical students

Background The outbreak of Covid-19 had negative impacts on the mental stress and induced psychological distress among university students worldwide. This study proposed a moderated mediation model, and hypothesized that the Covid-19 pandemic-related stress was positively related to depressive symptoms among international medical students. Methods An online survey on stress and depressive symptoms of international students was conducted in a medical university. Questions on Covid-19 pandemic-related stress, Patient Health Quesionnaire-9, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire and the Perceived Social Support Scale were used as measurements, and model analyses were conducted using Hayes’ PROCESS macro for SPSS. Results It was found that 9.83%, 3.08% and 2.12% students had mild, moderate and severe depressive symptoms, respectively, and the positive association between Covid-19 pandemic-related stress and depressive symptoms was significant (β = 0.27, t = 6.87, P < 0.01). Negative coping was also significantly correlated to depressive symptoms (β = 0.26, t = 6.60, P < 0.01), and partially mediated the association between Covid-19 pandemic-related stress and depressive symptoms. Perceived social support had a negative association with depressive symptoms (β=-0.26, t=-6.25, P < 0.01), played a negative moderating role in the relationship between negative coping and depressive symptoms, and moderated the indirect effect of Covid-19 pandemic-related stress on depressive symptoms via negative coping. Conclusions Results of the study suggested that under the background of continuing pandemic, intervention or prevention of mental health problem is urgently needed for the international students, and depression may be alleviated through reducing negative coping and increasing perceived social support.

Challenges and experiences to develop a Japanese language course for international medical students in Japan: Maximising acquisition of Japanese language by applying adult learning theories

Introduction: The International University of Health and Welfare (IUHW) School of Medicine was founded in 2017 with the intention of providing medical content in English a historical first in Japan. Twenty international medical students have been accepted annually, with the majority possessing less than beginner level Japanese language proficiency at the time of enrolment. However, proficiency in Japanese, especially in the context of medicine is required for academic success and program completion. To address this, the IUHW School of Medicine has developed a course in medical Japanese with the objective of facilitating international students’ acquisition of medical Japanese and reinforcing such acquisition through various listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities. This study aims to describe the Japanese language education program for international students at the IUHW School of Medicine, with particular focus on the development of the curriculum and course content. Methods: The course is designed based on the following educational strategies and their applications: (a) Synchronisation of both medical and Japanese contents; (b) Collaborative learning; (c) Japanese output of medical content learned in English; (d) Practical output through making/giving a presentation and discussion with medical experts; (e) Detailed language feedback from language experts; (f) Reinforcing the vocabulary knowledge by writing; and (g) Building up vocabulary and expressions with relevant contents. Results: Our observations suggest that our international students have been able to continue their medical education in Japanese smoothly. Conclusion: The content-based instructional design that includes second language acquisition strategies may also be applicable to other Asian languages such as Korean and Chinese.

Publisher’s Note: Continued Publication of Thalassemia Reports by MDPI

Thalassemia Reports (ISSN: 2039-4365) was launched in 2011 and has become the premier peer-reviewed international medical journal devoted entirely to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of thalassemia [...]

Thyroidectomy Related Complications in Post-Thyroid Lobectomy (Unilateral) in Addition to Thyroid Isthmusectomy

Objective: To identify thyroidectomy related complications in post-thyroid lobectomy (unilateral) in addition to isthmusectomy. Study Design: Cross-sectional study Place and Duration: Department of ENT, Islamic International Medical College, Islamabad from 1st April 2019 to 31st March 2020. Methods: Sixty patients were enrolled. These patients were those who have to undergo complete thyroidectomy post unilateral-thyroid lobectomy in addition to isthmusectomy. The age pf the patients was 16-72 years. Each patient’s demographic, clinical as well as surgical details were recorded and calcium tests were run. Results: There were 34 females and 26 males in this study. The mean age of the enrolled patients was 41.12±5.9 years. The mean BMI calculated of the patients was 25.4±2.5 kg/m2. Hypocalcaemia (transient) was identified 10% whereas 3.3% got seroma and 1.6% each suffered from transient voice hoarseness and hematoma in neck. Conclusion: Transient hypocalcaemia is the most frequent complication followed with seroma and hematoma. Keywords: Completion Thyroidectomy, Thyroid lobectomy, Thyroidectomy