Negative Marking and the Student Physician--A Descriptive Study of Nigerian Medical Schools.

Background: There is considerable debate about the two most commonly used scoring methods, namely, the formula scoring (popularly referred to as negative marking method in our environment) and number right scoring methods. Although the negative marking scoring system attempts to discourage students from guessing in order to increase test reliability and validity, there is the view that it is an excessive and unfair penalty that also increases anxiety. Feedback from students is part of the education process; thus, this study assessed the perception of medical students about negative marking method for multiple choice question (MCQ) examination formats and also the effect of gender and risk-taking behavior on scores obtained with this assessment method.

Self Monitoring of Blood Glucose Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Eastern Nigeria: Need for Multi-strategic Interventions.

Background: Self Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG) is a useful adjunct to lifestyle modification and medications for optimal management of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM). This study was aimed at evaluating the practice, cost and associations of SMBG in subjects with type 2 DM in Enugu, Nigeria.

Methods: In a cross-sectional survey conducted at the diabetes clinic in three hospitals, 366 type 2 diabetic subjects aged 18-65 years were consecutively interviewed.