Assessing the Medical Student’s Knowledge and Awareness of MONA Protocol and Oxygen Therapy in Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: The mnemonic "MONA," comprising Morphine, Oxygen, Nitroglycerin, and Aspirin, has been a cornerstone in the initial treatment of Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) and has been ingrained in the education of medical students for generations. The inclusion of oxygen in this mnemonic is rooted in the concept that AMI arises from a disparity between myocardial oxygen demand and supply. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of medical students regarding AMI, the MONA mnemonic, and the specific role of oxygen in patients experiencing Acute Myocardial Infarction. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 188 medical students selected through purposive sampling. Participants were provided with a pretested structured questionnaire, and the gathered data was analyzed using SPSS 23. Results: The study showed satisfactory understanding among students regarding the presentation of AMI, its ECG findings, and the components of the MONA mnemonic was observed. Only 47% of participants were cognizant of the purpose of MONA, primarily for initial pain control. Moreover, a notable 23% of students were aware that oxygen does not contribute to the treatment of AMI in normoxemic patients. Conclusion: The study underscores a significant gap in the awareness of medical students concerning the role of oxygen in normoxemic patients with AMI.