The Correlation between Mathematics Anxiety, Numerical Ability and Drug Calculation Ability of Paramedic Students: An...

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Medical Education
• Paramedic Training

Background:

• Numeracy and numerical ability are crucial for patient safety in healthcare.
• Accurate drug calculations are essential skills for healthcare providers, particularly paramedics.
• This study investigates factors influencing drug calculation performance in paramedic students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the relationship between numerical ability, math anxiety, and drug calculation performance.
• To identify factors contributing to drug calculation ability among paramedic students.
• To inform curriculum development for improving paramedic students' medication dosage skills.

Main Methods:

• A sequential explanatory mixed-method approach was employed.
• Participants completed questionnaires assessing demographics, math anxiety (MARS), numerical ability (NAT), and drug calculation ability (DCAT).
• Face-to-face interviews were conducted to explore contributing factors in-depth.

Main Results:

• Third-year students demonstrated higher numerical ability (NAT) and drug calculation scores (DCAT) than second-year students.
• Males scored significantly higher than females on the drug calculation ability test (DCAT).
• Prior math education and numerical ability were significant predictors of drug calculation performance, while math anxiety showed an indirect negative impact.

Conclusions:

• Drug calculation proficiency is fundamental for paramedics and is influenced by numerical ability.
• Mathematics anxiety indirectly and negatively affects drug calculation skills.
• Curriculum adjustments in paramedic programs can enhance critical thinking and problem-solving for medication dosages.