Year: 2026 | Month: July | Volume: 16 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 12-20
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20260702
Perception of Community Orientation Module in Foundation Course among First-Year MBBS Students: A Pre- and Post-Test Study
Rahul Dandekar1, Manju Bhashini Sundru2, Adil Dawood Patel3
1Professor, Department of Community Medicine, MGM Medical College and Hospital, Nerul, Navi Mumbai,
Deemed University of MGM Institute of Health Sciences, Maharashtra, India.
2Professor & HOD, Department of Community Medicine, MGM Medical College and Hospital, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, Deemed University of MGM Institute of Health Sciences, Maharashtra, India.
3Senior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, MGM Medical College and Hospital, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, Deemed University of MGM Institute of Health Sciences, Maharashtra, India.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Rahul Hanumant Dandekar
ABSTRACT
Background: Community-based medical education is an essential component of Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) for improving medical students understanding of community health problems, preventive healthcare services, and social determinants of health. Early exposure to community healthcare settings helps undergraduate medical students develop communication skills, professionalism, and practical understanding of public health services.
Objectives: To assess the perception of the Community Orientation Module among first-year medical students by evaluating changes in knowledge through pre-test and post-test assessment.
Methodology: A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest study was conducted among 40 first-year MBBS students participating in Foundation Course. The Community Orientation Modules (COM) also included visits to the Urban Health Training Centre (UHTC), Rural Health Training Centre (RHTC), immunization postings, and exposure with healthcare workers and community members. Knowledge assessment was performed using pre-test and post-test questionnaires. Student perceptions were evaluated using a structured 5-point Likert scale feedback questionnaire. The paired t-test and Likert scale-based analysis were used for data analysis.
Results: The mean pre-test score increased from 27.7 ± 7.9 to 33.8 ± 9.23 in the post-test, demonstrating significant improvement in knowledge following the module. The mean difference between scores was 6.1, and paired t-test analysis revealed a statistically significant improvement (t = 3.903, p = 0.00037). The majority of students either agreed or strongly agreed that the module improved their understanding of community health problems, preventive and promotive healthcare services, immunization practices, vaccine storage and cold chain maintenance, communication skills, and social determinants of health. No participant reported disagreement with any feedback statement, indicating high overall satisfaction with the module.
Conclusion: The Community Orientation Module was effective in improving knowledge, practical understanding, communication skills, and public health orientation among first-year medical students. Early community exposure and experiential learning activities contributed positively to students’ professional development and understanding of healthcare delivery systems.
Key words: Community Orientation Module; Competency-Based Medical Education; Immunization; Communication Skills; Foundation Course.