The implementation of Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) in India by the National Medical Commission (NMC) in 2019 is a landmark change in the medical education scenario. This change in the medical curriculum from a time-bound model to an outcome-based model is an important move in ensuring that medical students are competent in facing the challenges of modern-day medicine. In this article, we attempt to critically examine the developments in the CBME model, which has been an evolving entity since 2019 and has seen recent developments in 2024. By emphasizing learner-centered and patient-centered learning strategies, CBME aspires to achieve the integration of theoretical knowledge with the practical skills and competencies required to provide effective medical practice. The curriculum development focuses on the holistic learning experience by incorporating the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains of learning to enable students to perform basic functions in the field of medicine and community health. It also promotes the culture of research and scholarly pursuit among the students. By examining the implementation strategies, feedback mechanisms, and performance outcomes of these curricula, the importance of these curricular changes can be clearly understood. The findings of this review emphasize the need to continuously improve and modify the curriculum to fulfill the needs of health care, leading to the achievement of the “Health for All” concept.
Menopause, a natural cessation of menstruation marks an important milestone in the lives of women. Defined as “The permanent cessation of menses due to loss of ovarian follicular functions,” It is predicted that over 1.2 billion women will be peri or post-menopausal by 2030. (1) Although not a mental illness, the hormonal shifts during menopause can trigger or exacerbate psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression, and mood swings in “Climacteric period.” Asian women specifically are more likely to suffer from depression and irritability. (2) It can also affect social life like relationships, work performance, and self-esteem. Some of these effects may be managed by seeking professional help, lifestyle modifications, and awareness initiatives, but role of understanding, empathetic husband as support system during partner’s menopause is crucial offering help and having open communication about her needs. A systematic review by X. Zhang et al (3) concluded that spousal support for peri-menopausal women makes a significant positive effect on their Quality of Life. Understanding of menopause in males is lacking as per various surveys. Most husbands reported confusion regarding menopause and had mostly learned what they knew through their wives. Some also viewed menopause as a ‘disease’ or ‘excuse’. Husbands are most likely to recognize mood swings and sexual function changes, timely detection of which can reduce marital strain. 77% participants of 450 men surveyed by Parish SJ. et al (4) reported that their partner's menopause had a negative effect on their own lives with 56% reporting that menopause has negatively impacted their marital relationship.
Background: Burnout syndrome is a growing concern among healthcare professionals globally. The psychological challenges associated with burnout significantly affect the health and performance of healthcare personnel and, in turn, the quality of patient care. However, region-specific data, especially in settings like Dehradun, India, is limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and severity of burnout syndrome among healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and technicians, working in a tertiary care hospital District, Dehradun. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over five months at the Himalayan Institute & Hospital Trust, including 310 participants selected via simple random sampling. Data were collected using a predesigned, pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire, including the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 20. A 95% confidence interval was considered, and a p-value of <0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: The majority of participants were under 30 years of age (61%), with 76.5% working in rotating shifts. Burnout was measured across three domains: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. While emotional exhaustion was low in 70.3% of participants, 31.3% exhibited high depersonalization. Remarkably, 100% reported high personal accomplishment. Nurses showed significantly higher levels of emotional exhaustion (13.3%, p = 0.003) and depersonalization compared to doctors and technicians. Conclusion: Despite a strong sense of professional efficacy across roles, notable levels of emotional fatigue and detachment were observed, especially among nurses. The findings emphasize the need for role-specific interventions, mental health support services, and organizational strategies to mitigate stress and burnout among healthcare personnel.
India is home to over 260 million tobacco users, making it the second-largest consumer base globally (1). In response to this public health burden, the country has implemented several key regulatory measures, including the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), and ban on electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Despite ongoing regulatory and educational efforts, the tobacco product landscape in India continues to evolve, with increasing concern over the growing popularity of herbal and nicotine-based alternatives such as herbal cigarettes, nicotine pouches, heated tobacco products (HTPs), and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Although products like ENDS are explicitly prohibited under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, they are frequently marketed—often deceptively—as safer, natural, or even therapeutic alternatives, posing significant challenges to public health communication and regulatory enforcement. To better understand public perceptions of these products, we undertook a two-phase study combining quantitative and qualitative approaches in January 2025. In first phase, a cross-sectional online survey was conducted to quantify these perceptions using a pre validated and piloted questionnaire, comprised five sections: demographic information, knowledge of herbal and nicotine-based products, attitudes towards them, practices, and their exposure.
Background: There has been a substantial increase in the medical students' screen time, especially after COVID, due to digital education. Even though digital devices and apps are essential for various purposes, such as academic work and access to information, they can harm both physically and mentally. Despite the rising awareness indian medical students still have limited acceptance of the potential danger. In addition to academic use, students frequently engage in entertainment activities such as social media use and binge-watching, thereby increasing their screen time and the associated negative health effects. Aim & Objective: To estimate the time MBBS students at Dr D Y Patil Medical College in Pune spend on screens and to examine its impact on their mental and physical health. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Methods and Material: A total of 174 Participants were selected through convenience sampling, and a semi-structured Google Forms survey comprising 20 items was used Data were collected using a self-designed questionnaire that was pilot-tested and revised. After expert validation it was used. Statistical analysis used: Categorical data was collected and presented in table format. Descriptive statistics was presented in number and percentages. Analysis was performed using Epi Info version 7.2.7. Results: 77% of participants (n = 134) reported using screens for four to six hours per day, while 19% (n = 33) reported screen use exceeding six hours daily. The most commonly reported physical complaints included eye strain (30.8%, n = 54), headaches (20.6%, n = 36), neck discomfort (19.8%, n = 34), and back pain (13%, n = 23). Most commonly reported mental complaint included anxiety, which was reported by 21.6%(n=38), followed by irritation, 19.4%(n=34). Interestingly, more than half of the participants reported increased screen use (51.7%; n=90), which led to reduced physical activity. Conclusions: Thus, the study shows a very strong association between prolonged screen time and several health problems among medical students. Thus, awareness and preventive measures are urgently needed, given the increasing dependence on digital platforms.
Background: Medical students often follow unhealthy lifestyles due to academic stress, irregular sleep schedule increasing their risk of non-communicable diseases. Noncommunicable diseases- such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes are long term conditions having a multifactorial origin. Aim & Objective: To assess awareness and lifestyle practices among medical students with parents or elders suffering from noncommunicable diseases. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional survey conducted among 185 medical students. Methods and Material: Sociodemographic variables, body mass index (BMI), eating habits, physical activity, sleep patterns, and substance use were recorded. The comorbidities assessed among parents and elders were hypertension, Type-II diabetes, coronary artery disease/stroke, osteoarthritis, liver/gall bladder diseases, and cancer/others Statistical analysis used: Crosstabulation and chi-square tests were used to identify associations, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: The majority of participants were female (62.7%) and aged 21–23 years. Most (71.9%) had a normal BMI. The most commonly reported comorbidities among parents/elders were hypertension (29.2%) and liver/gall bladder disease(21.1%). Statistically significant associations were found between comorbidities and midnight snacking(p=0.043) and sleep quality (p=0.018). There were no significant associations between parental comorbidity and dietary and physical activity variables. Conclusions: Despite being medical students, the students showed low lifestyle adherence, and parental noncommunicable disease status had limited influence on healthy behaviours. This highlights the need for targeted interventions for medical students, regardless of family history, to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice.
Background: Adolescents aged 10-19 years now number about 1.3 billion globally. Raised blood pressure is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for later cardiovascular disease. Aim and objectives: 1. Estimation of the prevalence of elevated blood pressure and hypertension in adolescents (10-19 years of age) residing in a rural area. 2. Co-relation of hypertension with socio-demographic and behavioural risk factors in adolescents (10-19 years of age) residing in a rural area. Material and methods: This study was a Cross-Sectional study. The study was conducted amongst adolescents residing in rural field practice area of department of Community Medicine, Juggaur in year 2025. A sample size of 236 was calculated. Statistical analysis: Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage, chi square, Fisher–Freeman–Halton Exact test were utilized to determine the association of hypertension with socio-demographic and behavioural risk factors. Results: A total of 254 adolescents were included in the study. In this current study, prevalence of hypertension among adolescents was found to be 5.51%. a total of 14.96 % adolescents were found to be Prehypertensive or having elevated BP. The relation between use of tobacco & hypertension and frequency of vegetable consumption & hypertension was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: Smoke Bidi or Cigarette/ Chew Tobacco and frequency of vegetable used were found to be significantly associated with hypertension in adolescents. Most of the participants found to take salt higher than recommended amount. Physical activity in many participants is also light as contrast to recommended moderate physical activity.
Introduction: Radiotherapy has several long term side effects in cancer cervix patients involving rectum, urinary bladder, small intestine and bone marrow. Sexual morbidity in these patients is not the priority for treating oncologist and hence usually not discussed This study aims to evaluate the sexual morbidity in cancer cervix patients treated with radiotherapy. Material and Methods: All patients who presented in our department with a minimum of 6 month follow up between August 2023 and March 2024 after undergoing radiotherapy for cancer cervix were included in the study. These patients were assessed using EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire which is to evaluate overall quality of life and specific symptoms, including sexual health concerns. Results: There were 70 patients with a median follow up of 12months. 87.1% patients were sexually active (p=0.01). The most common post radiotherapy complications is vaginal stenosis (85.7%) followed by vaginal dryness (72.8%). The most common complaints of the patients were dyspareunia (85.7%), reduced orgasm (82.8%) and vaginal bleeding (85.7%). 58.5 % patients were distressed with their sex life in comparison to pre radiotherapy period (p value 0.04). Conclusion: Sexual dysfunction is a distressing issue among women undergoing radiotherapy for cervical cancer, with substantial impact on their quality of life. Counselling regarding sexual morbidity before treatment and consulting various interventions may alleviate the physical and psychological distress.
Background: Rabies remains a significant public health issue in India, and gaps in healthcare professionals' knowledge are linked to preventable deaths. The current study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a well-structured Continuing Medical Education (CME) program focused on rabies prevention and post-exposure prophylaxis at AIIMS Rishikesh. Methods: The CME was organized among 50 healthcare professional like physicians, nurses, medical students, and residents. Each participant was evaluated for pre- test assessment using a pre-set questionnaire followed by full 4-hour CME knowledge session on rabies epidemiology, clinical management, and prevention measures. After the interactive session a post- test assessment was evaluated. Results: The mean knowledge scores increased significantly from 10.50 ± 2.32 points increased to 13.54 ± 0.89 points (p < 0.001), with a mean improvement of 3.04 points. This effect size was large with a Cohen's d of 1.308. Improvement in scores was seen in 86.0% of participants (43 out of 50). The greatest change was in participants' knowledge of post-exposure prophylaxis guidelines, risk assessment, and immunoglobulin administration. Conclusions: The structured CME program was highly effective in improving medical workers' knowledge related to rabies prevention. The large effect size and high participant satisfaction support the use of similar educational interventions to meet continuing medical education needs. These findings can inform evidence-based strategies to increase rabies prevention awareness and help India achieve the WHO goal of eliminating dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030.
Background: Maternal mortality remains a global concern, with 260,000 women dying in 2023 due to pregnancy-related causes. The majority of deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South East Asia. While preventable, almost 700 women died daily from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth in 2023. Aim: This article aims to review evidence-based interventions at both the community and clinical levels that have effectively reduced maternal mortality and morbidity globally, focusing on India. Methods: The review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Inclusion criteria encompassed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English from 2003 to 2023, focusing on interventions specifying types and durations. Exclusion criteria included unclear interventions, success reports over 20 years old, and interventions with more than 2 arms. Result: Among 26 selected clinical trials, diverse objectives, methods, and participant characteristics hindered formal meta-analysis. Most trials focused on hospital-based interventions, with pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions showing efficacy. Risk of bias analysis revealed common uncertainties and challenges, particularly in blinding and participant/investigator accessors. Interventions to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity: Trials assessed pharmacological interventions such as Tranexamic acid, Misoprostol, Carbetocin, and others, alongside non-pharmacological interventions like uterine massage and nutritional management. While most interventions were effective, some studies reported non-significant differences. Risk of bias was present, emphasizing the need for rigorous methodologies. Conclusion: The review underscores the success of interventions in reducing maternal mortality and morbidity globally, with most trials conducted in low- and middle-income countries. Findings highlight the effectiveness of various interventions, from drugs like Tranexamic acid to community-based initiatives. The results suggest the feasibility of reducing maternal mortality by identifying underlying factors and implementing evidence-based interventions, emphasizing the importance of both clinical and community-level approaches.
As a part of medical training, students are expected to master many theoretical and practical subject-specific competencies. The role of peer-led initiatives in medical education has been well documented in the literature in aiding students to attain intended learning objectives. The purpose of the current review is to explore the benefits of peer feedback, enumerate methods for delivering peer feedback, identify the potential challenges, and propose strategies to overcome them. A thorough and detailed search related to the topic was carried out in the PubMed search engine and relevant published literature, published between 2015-2024, targeting peer feedback in the field of medical education were included in the review. A total of 23 articles were included in the present review, and keywords used in the search include peer feedback, students, learning, teaching, and medical education in the title alone only. Peer feedback is a specific type of constructive critique provided by individuals of similar status or experience to each other. It is a reciprocal process where everyone helps each other in supporting their growth, improving their self-awareness, and overall professional development. In conclusion, peer feedback is an effective approach to facilitate learning and promote professional growth among medical students. Even though concerns have been raised about its implementation, the need of the hour is to integrate peer feedback into medical education as it can create a supportive system for medical students during their training period.
A big and growing concern for public health around the world is antimicrobial resistance (AMR). India is a low- and middle-income country with a lot of infectious diseases and AMR makes it harder to stop and cure infectious disease making it a major concern again. India is facing more problems than other countries because of widespread misuse of antimicrobials, inconsistent enforcement of rules, and problems with the health system. India has come up with a detailed policy approach to this problem called the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR). The latest version of the World Health Organisation's Global Action Plan NAP-AMR 2.0 (2025–2029) contains the One Health strategy. But even all of these couldn't regulate it very well, which shows the contrast between what the policy says and what it does. This review not only compiles existing knowledge regarding the prevalence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in India but also enumerates the primary factors contributing to resistance in humans, animals, and the environment. This review tries to evaluate the progress, milestones, and shortcomings of national AMR strategies. The study demonstrates the significance of an integrated national action plan by coordinating epidemiological data with policy responses, clarifying the importance of implementation and the challenges that remain. The summary highlights the most crucial gaps and steps that need to be taken to make sure that policy pledges really help public health. To bridge the gap between policy and practice in India, we need long-term political commitment, cooperation across sectors, greater leadership, and systems of accountability.
Background: Telemedicine involves the use of electronic communication technologies to deliver and support healthcare services when distance separates patients and providers. As chronic diseases continue to be major contributors to global mortality, disability, and healthcare expenditure, continuous monitoring and accessible care remain essential. Telemedicine offers a potential solution, especially in resource-limited settings. Objectives: The study aims to assess patients’ awareness, willingness, and current practices regarding the use of telemedicine. It also seeks to identify factors that contribute to their unwillingness or limited utilization of telemedicine services. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at an Urban Health Centre in Raigad District, Maharashtra, involving 130 patients above 30 years of age registered under the Non-Communicable Disease clinic. A pre-validated questionnaire, administered in Marathi and Hindi, was used for data collection. Socio-economic status was categorized using the Revised BG Prasad Classification, and data were analyzed using SPSS Version 26. Results: 54.2% of participants owned a smartphone, 82.2% were unaware of telemedicine, 81.5% lived within 10 km of the Urban Health Centre. Conclusion: The study highlights the need to improve awareness, address barriers, and enhance patient engagement to maximize the benefits of telemedicine for chronic disease management in resource-limited areas like Raigad District.
According to the World Health Organization, non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which are brought on by a "combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors", claim the lives of 41 million people annually or 71% of all fatalities. Every year, about 5.8 million people in India pass away from non-communicable diseases (heart and lung diseases, stroke, cancer, and diabetes), which translates to one in four Indians being at risk of passing away from non-communicable diseases before the age of 70 years. It is biologically plausible that chronic disease could be prevented or at least delayed via early detection and management of biomedical and lifestyle risk factors, and there is some evidence that periodic health evaluations can improve the delivery of some recommended preventive services.(1) The disability-adjusted life years have increased by 6.6%, 4.4%, 2.2%, and 0.9% for cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes, and breast cancer, respectively. The primary emphasis of health organizations' efforts to reduce fatalities from non-communicable diseases is cigarette use, physical inactivity, unhealthy food, and problematic alcohol consumption (2). Along with tackling the risk factors, another major step in combating non-communicable diseases is preventive health check-ups. Preventive health check-ups deal with the identification and minimization of disease risk factors, existing disease course improvement, and early disease detection through screening. This has become crucial since it allows people to know about their health issues well within time (3). Also, early diagnosis of disease in its latent phase aids in prompt intervention, lowering morbidity and death (3,4).
The importance of first 1000 days in the growth and development of children has been known for many years. Global research has shown that first 1000 days, from conception to 2 years of life of a child are crucial for the growth and brain development of the baby. These 24 months can have lasting effect on the health, wellbeing and earning potential of the child. This is the first window of opportunity as the foundation for optimum health, growth across life span is established through early childhood development (ECD) of which 1000 days is a part
Background: Healthy lifestyle behaviours established during adolescence and early adulthood strongly shape later non-communicable disease risk. In rural settings, young people often face constraints that go beyond awareness such as academic pressure, limited opportunities for structured physical activity, and practical challenges related to diet. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of perceived barriers across key lifestyle domains and to examine their association with selected sociodemographic characteristics among rural youth. Methods: An analytical study was conducted among 15–24 years students. Participants were selected using multistage sampling from educational institutions. Perceived barriers were assessed using a validated “Barriers to a Healthy Lifestyle” questionnaire covering nutrition, physical activity, and psychosocial stress domains, with responses recorded on a five-point Likert scale. Determinants were examined using multivariable logistic regression, and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Results: High perceived barriers were reported by 49.0% of participants in the psychosocial stress domain, 47.0% in nutrition, and 45.3% in physical activity. Examination-related stress (68.0%) and lack of healthy food availability within institutions (55.0%) were the most frequently endorsed barriers. Male students had significantly higher odds of reporting lower perceived barriers across nutrition (aOR 2.15; 95% CI 1.25–3.67), physical activity (aOR 2.41; 95% CI 1.40–4.14), and psychosocial stress (aOR 2.53; 95% CI 1.47–4.36). Students in 12th grade and college demonstrated significantly higher perceived stress barriers compared to those in 10th–11th grade. Conclusion: Nearly half of rural, school-going youth reported high perceived barriers to healthy lifestyle practices, particularly related to psychosocial stress, diet, and physical activity.
Introduction: Job related stress is increasing in today's world as companies adapt to newer technology causing mismatch in skill and resources, leading to mental distress among employees. Causes of occupational stress include long working hours, inadequate pay and workplace conditions. In India, the prevalence of moderate stress levels is 9.5%, with 10-20 persons in 1,000 suffering from some mental illness. Aim: To study the prevalence of occupational stress and its associated factors among industrial workers. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Belagavi, a city in North Karnataka. A questionnaire having 2 components was used, the first being the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), a classic stress assessment instrument comprising questions on how often one felt a certain way during the last month. The second component was to establish the leading factors of occupational stress through questions regarding their working conditions, salary, etc. Blood samples withdrawn from the workers were used to measure Vitamin D levels using chemiluminescence micro-particle immunoassay (CMIA). Results: 3.4% of the 119 workers had low stress levels, 84% had moderate stress levels and 12.6% had high stress levels, with the number of breaks, sleep schedule and Vitamin D levels showing the highest association (calculated using chi square). More than 50% of the employees had insufficient (20-30ng/ml) or deficient (<20ng/ml) vitamin D levels, which correlated with their stress levels. Conclusion: The results of our study show a significant number of employees experiencing moderate stress levels which can interfere with their personal and professional lives. The positive associations highlight the need for workspace interventions targeted towards adequate rest breaks and healthy sleep practices.
Background: Farmers in rural and tribal regions of India are frequently exposed to pesticides during mixing, spraying, and handling activities. Exposure commonly occurs through dermal contact, inhalation, and accidental ingestion, which can lead to both acute and chronic health problems. The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) regarding pesticide use and its associated health effects among farmers among rural tribal district of India. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 170 farmers from selected villages of one of the tribal district of Gujarat. Farmers aged 18 years and above who had been using pesticides for at least one year were included. Data were collected using a pre-designed and pre-tested structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and attitudes regarding pesticide use, pesticide handling practices, and self-reported health effects. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Results: Although all participants were aware that pesticide exposure could cause health problems, only 48.8% were aware of protective measures and merely 5.3% had received formal training on pesticide handling. A large proportion (91.2%) reported not using PPE during spraying, and 84.7% stored pesticides inside their houses. Nearly all participants (97.6%) reported experiencing at least one health symptom following pesticide exposure, with skin irritation and eye irritation being the most commonly reported complaints. Despite this high prevalence of symptoms, only 5.9% sought medical care. Conclusion: The study reveals a substantial gap between awareness and safe pesticide practices among farmers in this rural–tribal population. Unsafe handling and limited use of protective measures contribute to a high burden of self-reported health problems.
The quality of the educational environment is a key determinant of effective medical training. The Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure–12 (DREEM-12) is a validated tool used globally to assess student perceptions of learning, teaching, academic self-perception, atmosphere, and social support. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the educational environment among undergraduate medical students in Puducherry, South India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 538 MBBS students of Phase II to IV. Data were collected using the DREEM-12 questionnaire administered through a structured Google Form after obtaining electronic informed consent. Results: The overall DREEM-12 mean score was 38.52, indicating an excellent learning environment. Conclusion: The study demonstrates a highly positive educational environment across all domains, with strengths in teacher-related factors and academic self-perception. Areas requiring targeted improvement include student support systems and learning atmosphere. These findings contribute to ongoing quality enhancement efforts in undergraduate medical education in South India.
Background: Assessing patient satisfaction concerning the communication skills and attitudes of healthcare workers in the emergency department (ED) of a rural government hospital in India, addressing a gap in understanding patient experiences in public health studies. Objectives: The study aims to assess patient satisfaction with the communication skills and attitudes and to evaluate operational factors that influence patient experience, such as waiting times for the initiation of treatment and measures to reduce overcrowding in the emergency department. Methods: Conducted between February 2024 and May 2025, the cross-sectional observational study included 800 patients aged 18–65 years who were admitted to the ED for 6–12 hours and had a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15. Red-triaged patients and those with psychiatric illness were excluded. Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire administered via face-to-face interviews. Responses were recorded on a five-point Likert scale. As the data were not normally distributed, nonparametric statistical tests were applied. Results: A majority (59%) of patients were satisfied with communication practices, with satisfaction levels consistent across age and gender. In contrast, 48% expressed satisfaction with the attitudes of healthcare workers, with women and younger patients showing comparatively higher satisfaction (p < 0.05). Regarding operational factors, 62% reported dissatisfaction with waiting times before treatment initiation, with younger patients reporting significantly greater dissatisfaction (p < 0.001). Additionally, 57% of patients perceived overcrowding measures in the emergency department negatively, with significant differences noted across genders and age groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Communication practices were generally satisfactory; the attitudes of healthcare workers and operational issues such as treatment delays and overcrowding played a critical role in shaping patient experiences. Recommendations include enhancing communication training, fostering empathetic interactions among healthcare workers, and developing effective strategies to manage ED overcrowding to improve patient-centred care in rural emergency healthcare settings, ultimately leading to better public health outcomes and higher patient satisfaction.
