Academic dishonesty among undergraduates from private medical schools in India. Are we on the right track?

BACKGROUND

Though doctors are considered to be respectful role models of professionalism and ethics, medical students are no strangers to academic dishonesty.

AIM

To assess the academic dishonesty practices among undergraduate students from private medical schools in India.

METHODS

A pre-tested and validated questionnaire containing 10 commonly done academic misconducts were administered and responses were collected.

RESULTS

Out of 166 medical students enrolled in the study, 75% have given proxy for attendance and 49% have copied from others record book. During a theory exam, 74% of students have copied from their friends, 2% have tried to get the question paper before exam and 5% have influenced their teachers by unfair means to get more marks. During clinical/practical exam, 81% have got technical help, 45% had prior knowledge about the exam case, and 54% of them have falsely documented clinical findings.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of academic dishonesty is high. Academic integrity and ethics should be emphasized to the students which might help them in becoming professional and honest doctors.