The perception of undergraduate students studying anatomy about their education environment in the college of health sciences, Makerere University

Abstract

Introduction: Students’ perception of their education environment is fundamental for successful curriculum design and implementation. The recommended tool for its measurement in undergraduate medical education is the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM). In the College of Health Sciences, Makerere University (MakCHS), this had not been studied among preclinical students. Research Questions: 1) What is the perception of undergraduate students studying anatomy about the education environment in the College of Health Sciences, Makerere University? 2) What is the validity and reliability of the DREEM tool when used in measuring the perception of undergraduate students studying anatomy about their education environment in the College of Health Sciences, Makerere University? Objectives: 1) To determine the perception of undergraduate students studying anatomy about the education environment in the College of Health Sciences, Makerere University. 2) To determine the validity and reliability of the DREEM tool when used in measuring the perception of undergraduate students studying anatomy about their education environment in the College of Health Sciences, Makerere University. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. The study population was students in MakCHS studying anatomy in first and second year. Data was collected using the DREEM inventory and analysis was done using Stata Statistical package, version 17.0. Results: The overall DREEM score was 114 (more positive than negative). Cronbach’s alpha showed excellent reliability (0.91) but the original 5-factor model of the DREEM did not demonstrate model fit with confirmatory factor analysis. Model fit was only achieved after item reduction to an abridged version of 19 items with a good Cronbach’s alpha of 0.89. Conclusion: The students perceived the education environment as more positive than negative. Although the internal reliability of the DREEM tool was satisfactory, its construct validity was sub-optimal. The DREEM inventory remains a valuable measure of the education climate even in the context of Uganda where this study was conducted.