Year: 2025 | Month: December | Volume: 15 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 18-24
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20251201
Perception of the Impact and Challenges of the Family Adoption Programme among Medical Students of a Medical College in Rural Assam
Dr Syeda Jesmin Rahman1, Dr Rinku Borah2
1,2Department of Community Medicine
Dhubri Medical College & Hospital, Dhubri, Assam.
Corresponding Author: Dr Rinku Borah
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The Family Adoption Programme was introduced to strengthen community-based learning by enabling medical students to understand household-level health needs through regular family visits. This study assessed students’ perceptions of its impact on learning and the challenges encountered during its implementation in a rural medical college in Assam.
Methodology: A mixed-method cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students who had completed at least one year of programme activities. A semi-structured questionnaire measured perceived improvements in knowledge, skills, attitudes, and community orientation, along with difficulties faced during fieldwork. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and qualitative responses were examined through thematic content analysis.
Results: A total of 280 students participated. Most reported substantial gains in knowledge related to physical environment, diseases, lifestyle factors, government schemes, and socio-economic conditions. Skills such as communication, empathy, teamwork, and problem-solving showed high positive ratings, with mean scores above 4.0 in most domains. Orientation sessions, three or more field visits, shorter distance to communities, and consistent faculty accompaniment were associated with higher perceived impact. Major challenges included unavailability of laboratory tests, limited logistics, language barriers, non-cooperation from families due to timing, and coordination issues with local staff.
Discussion: The programme positively influenced students’ learning by enhancing practical competencies and community understanding. However, recurrent logistical constraints and inconsistent supervision limited the overall experience, indicating the need for stronger operational support.
Conclusion: The Family Adoption Programme significantly improved students’ knowledge, skills, empathy, and community orientation. Strengthening logistics, supervision, and coordination mechanisms will enhance its educational value and effectiveness.
Key words: Family Adoption Programme; Medical students; Community-based learning; Perceived impact; Implementation challenges