Abstract
Background: Acute appendicitis, a common atraumatic surgical emergency, peaks in the second and third decades but can affect individuals of all ages. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and preparedness of senior medical students in accurately diagnosing appendicitis.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2024, targeting final-year medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Diyala, Iraq. Using a universal sampling approach, a semi-structured questionnaire was employed, covering socio-demographic data and 30 questions assessing appendicitis knowledge and preparedness. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 21.0, applying descriptive statistics, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05.
Results: The study surveyed 119 senior medical students on demographics, appendicitis knowledge, risk factors, and diagnostic methods. Most participants were female (73.9%), single (83.2%), and had completed a General Surgery course (75.6%). Knowledge of appendicitis was high, with 86.6% recognizing it as appendix inflammation and 78.2% understanding perforated appendicitis. Clinical exposure was limited, with only 41.2% encountering appendicitis cases. Surgical treatment was preferred (94.9%), with laparoscopic appendectomy slightly favored (54.6%). Common symptoms like pain localization and digestive issues were well-recognized, but awareness of risk factors like diabetes (42.8%) and obesity (59.7%) varied. CT scans (74%) and ultrasound (63.1%) were considered the most effective diagnostic methods, while MRI received mixed responses (27.7% agreement).
Conclusion: This study emphasizes the need for enhanced clinical exposure, focused training on atypical presentations, education on risk factors and less common complications, and improved understanding of supportive diagnostic tests to strengthen medical students' diagnostic and procedural readiness for appendicitis.
