Using Computer and Internet for Medical Literature Searching Among Medical Students in Hadramout University, Yemen

Background: Some researchers have observed that medical students used computer and internet for nonmedical purposes. Is this the case among medical students in a newly established medical college of Hadramout University in Yemen? Objectives: To assess the knowledge and usage of computer and internet among medical students of Hadramout University, find out the medical applications for which they use internet, and the factors that encourage the students to use computer and internet, with an emphasis on gender variations. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, data were collected from 102 randomly selected students from second to sixth year at the academic year 2005/2006 by using structured questionnaire of 23 items. Results: Seventy four students have computer at home (73%), 77 students use internet for general purposes (76.2%) and lesser use internet for educational and research purposes, with significant gender variations. The students opined that accessibility of internet in the college (84.2%) and training about online searching (74.3%) were the most expected factors to improve using of internet for medical research. Conclusion: Incorporating online search of medical literature in curriculum planning is essential to improve the student skills in research.