# Evaluating cognitive and affective abilities among medical students: behavioural and medicolegal perspectives

## TL;DR

This study explores how medicolegal issues affect medical students, finding that exposure is linked to aggression, gender, and location.

## Contribution

The study introduces a cross-sectional survey linking medicolegal exposure to cognitive and affective outcomes in medical students.

## Key findings

- Males and students with chronic diseases are more exposed to medicolegal issues.
- Aggression scores are higher among exposed and male students.
- Rural students show better cognitive scores than urban students.

## Abstract

Medical students attending university for the first time experience a new environment, full of significant social, cultural, and intellectual challenges. Moreover, drug abuse and bullying among university students are major global concerns. The aim of the current study was to assess the impact of medicolegal issues on undergraduate and postgraduate students. It is a cross-sectional survey-based study, with each set of questions investigating cognitive functions, aggression, personality, and exposure to medicolegal issues. Males and those with a chronic disease have been significantly exposed to medicolegal issues; exposed students were significantly older than nonexposed ones. The scores of aggression were significantly higher among exposed and male students. The cognitive scores were higher for the students from rural areas than in urban areas, and females were more neurotic than males. The current study recommends conducting campaigns to educate university students on the importance of formally disclosing unethical behaviors and listening to the victims to facilitate overcoming their negative feelings. As many victims feel comfortable disclosing victimization to their friends, we recommend conducting peer educational programs to help friends support their colleagues regarding unethical misconduct.