Assessing Medical Student Basic Otolaryngology Knowledge: A questionnaire-based Study

Background: Otolaryngology is one of the oldest medical specialties that involves the diagnosis and treatment of patients with diseases and conditions of the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck. The commonest ENT cases encountered by physicians are tonsillitis, acute otitis media, pharyngitis, epistaxis, and hay fever. The prevalence of otolaryngologic complaints in general practice is disproportionately high compared to the amount of otolaryngology module provided in medical school. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to assess medical students' basic otolaryngology knowledge. Additionally, we will check factors that determine the level of knowledge. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among medical students in clinical years in the Saudi Arabia who studied ENT module. Participating students completed an online questionnaire that included questions related to ENT module. Results: The study included 483 participants, 53.4% were males and 46.6% were females. 43.7% were in the 4th academic year. 16.1% of participants intent to choose ENT as future specialty. 94.6% took ENT module and test. 44.5% reported spending 1-2 days on an ENT service or office, as part of clinical education. The majority of our study participants correctly answered ENT cases. Conclusion: Saudi medical students have appropriate knowledge of basic otolaryngology. With a significant proportion of ENT complaints in general practice, it is critical that all graduating medical students, not just those entering ENT, are adequately trained in basic ENT to perform competently and be confident enough to manage or refer these patients.