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Exploring Sustainability of Educational Environment among Health Science Students at the Largest Public University in Brunei Darussalam: A Convergent Mixed-Methods Study

Author

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  • Faiza Alam

    (Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan BE1410, Brunei
    These authors contributed equally as primary authors to this work.)

  • Hanif Abdul Rahman

    (Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan BE1410, Brunei)

  • Kenneth Y. Y. Kok

    (Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan BE1410, Brunei)

  • Khadizah H. Abdul-Mumin

    (Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan BE1410, Brunei
    School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
    These authors contributed equally as primary authors to this work.)

Abstract

Health science students are the future healthcare workforce. Understanding and fostering a sustainable educational environment (EE) is essential in optimising their learning and the successful completion of their studies. A convergent mixed-methods study was conducted to explore health science students’ experiences of their EE at the largest public university in Brunei Darussalam. A cross-sectional design using the DREEM questionnaire ( n = 150) and four focus group discussions ( n = 31) involving five health science programs (biomedical sciences, dentistry, medicine, nursing/midwifery, and pharmacy) was conducted between November 2021 and May 2022. Descriptive and linear regression analyses and thematic analysis were respectively performed on the quantitative and qualitative data. Although the university EE was experienced by students as “more positive than negative” (86.7%), 13.3% perceived it as having “plenty of problems”. This perception of learning was statistically significant among nursing/midwifery students ( p = 0.012). Dentistry students reported positive perceptions across all five domains of the DREEM (an overall mean of 119.3 ± 10.3). The importance of a stimulating home learning environment, supportive peers, innovative teaching methods, soft skill development, and clinical learning enhancement were highlighted. To foster independence and student-centred learning, an educational program that empowers students on their EE, including ‘survival skills’ is recommended. Future research should compare health science students’ experiences in university and clinical EE, nationally and abroad (medical and dentistry twinning program), and develop indicators measuring the sustainability of the EE throughout health science programs.

Suggested Citation

  • Faiza Alam & Hanif Abdul Rahman & Kenneth Y. Y. Kok & Khadizah H. Abdul-Mumin, 2023. "Exploring Sustainability of Educational Environment among Health Science Students at the Largest Public University in Brunei Darussalam: A Convergent Mixed-Methods Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-15, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:17:p:12714-:d:1222699
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stacy M. Carter & Patti Shih & Jane Williams & Chris Degeling & Julie Mooney-Somers, 2021. "Conducting Qualitative Research Online: Challenges and Solutions," The Patient: Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Springer;International Academy of Health Preference Research, vol. 14(6), pages 711-718, November.
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