Browsing by Author "Sultan, Meshal A"

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Association between physical activity and sleep quality among healthcare students
(2024-02) Alhusami, MinatAllah; Jatan, Noora; Dsouza, Skylar; Sultan, Meshal A
Abstract: Objective: To assess the relationship between physical activity (PA) and sleep quality (SQ) in Mohammed Bin Rashid University (MBRU) students in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Taking into account this being one of the first studies exploring this aspect among healthcare students in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Methods: This is an analytical cross-sectional study that involved disseminating online surveys via email to students of all 5 colleges in MBRU between March-June 2023. The survey encompassed queries on demographics, the Saltin-Grimby Physical Activity Level Scale (SGPALS), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results: The survey was completed by 105 students. Most students were from the medical college (98/105; 93.3%) and were females (84/105; 80.0%). Females engaged the most in low PA (44.0%) while males engaged the most in high PA (42.9%) according to the IPAQ-SF. There was a significant association between SGPALS and gender (p = 0.007, X2 = 12.0). The global PSQI score showed that 70.5% of the students had bad-quality sleep. Sleep efficiency and leisurely PA are significantly negatively correlated (p = 0.026, ρ = -0.217) while sitting minutes and sleep duration are significantly positively correlated (p = 0.030, r = 0.212). Conclusion: Significant negative correlations between sleep efficiency and leisurely PA demonstrate that while exercise has been implicated in the improvement of SQ, excessive exercise can behave as an additional stressor and induce negative changes in the SQ of healthcare students. Meanwhile, significant positive correlations between sleep duration and sitting indicate that adequate rest should not be undervalued in its effects on sleep. Furthermore, the findings of this study highlight public health implications that warrant attention by educators and policymakers in academic health systems.
Insights into values and emotional wellbeing of medical students in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study
(2024-08) Alhashimi, Fatma Mustafa; Salim, Sara; Siddiqi, Warda; Jeyaseelan, Lakshmanan; Khan, Nusrat; Sultan, Meshal A
Abstract Objective: To describe the difference in values among medical students from a first-year student' and final year student' perspective. In addition, it is designed to report associations and trends between personal values and overall emotional states. Methods: This is an analytical cross-sectional study that involved disseminating an online survey via email to first and final year students at the College of Medicine in Mohammed Bin Rashid University (MBRU) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in December of 2023. The survey encompassed queries on demographics, the Life Values Inventory (LVI) and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Results: The survey was completed by 84 students. About half of the participants were final year medical students (45/84; 53.6%) with the majority being females (70/84; 83.3%). Positive emotions were positively correlated to various life values, including belonging, scientific understanding, responsibility, and achievement (p < 0.05). When comparing academic years, the scores of the life value of Achievement showed a significant correlation (p = 0.04), with first-year students' mean (SD) of 12 (2) out of 15 compared to 11 (3) out of 15 for final-year students. Positive Emotions also exhibited a significant correlation (p = 0.006), with first-year students' mean (SD) 40 (5) out of 50 compared to 36 (7) out of 50 for final-year students. Conclusion: This study adds to medical education research by exploring values and emotions, shedding light on factors shaping students' professional identities. Understanding these dynamics can aid in supporting future healthcare providers and by extension the patients for whom they care.