Peer assisted learning among Sri Lankan medical undergraduates: a cross sectional study.

Objective: The objectives of this study were to; (a) evaluate the current practices of peer assisted learning among second year and final year medical students of Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka; (b) identify reasons for engaging in peer assisted learning; (c) identify perceived weaknesses in current learning activities; and (d) determine student characteristics associated with engaging in peer assisted learning.

Results: This cross sectional study interviewed two hundred and eighty-four eligible students. Average number of hours spent on peer assisted learning during a week was significantly greater among second year students compared to final year students (15.

Hypocalcemia is associated with disease severity in patients with dengue.

Introduction: Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in tropical regions. Serum free calcium (Ca2+) is known to be important in cardiac and circulatory function. We evaluated association between serum Ca2+ level and severity of dengue.