Abstract
Introduction Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that requires a multidisciplinary approach. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and misconceptions regarding SLE in sixth-year medical students in order to verify their understanding of the general aspects of SLE and provide recommendations to improve their learning experience.
Methods We created a two-part 25-item questionnaire of 25 questions to assess students' knowledge about epidemiology, clinical manifestations, complications, management, and prognosis of SLE, preferred ways of learning, and opinion on which specialties should include learning about the disease. The questionnaire was distributed to the participants through Google Forms.
Results A total of 200 students from King Abdulaziz University responded to the questionnaire. The prevalence of adequate knowledge among students was 39.5%. There was a significant statistical difference between students with adequate knowledge and those without adequate knowledge according to the number of cases seen during training. There was a higher prevalence of adequate knowledge among female students and those who had a family history of SLE. Most students answered correctly the basic questions about SLE, while there were weak points in the questions about epidemiology and clinical manifestations. The preferred way of learning about SLE indicated by most respondents was to see patients in the wards and analyze the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease. Most students chose internal medicine and rheumatology as specialties that should include learning about SLE.
Conclusion The findings reflect the need to improve the teaching of chronic medical diseases treated on an outpatient basis and to modify the medical school curriculum so as to prepare future physicians to deal with such cases.