title: Problem-based learning (PBL) and public health: an initial exploration of perceptions of PBL in Vietnam.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Worldwide interest in problem-based learning (PBL) has grown in past decades. This article aims to evaluate the perceived effectiveness, appropriateness, benefits, and challenges attributed to the use of PBL in public health education in Vietnam with a view to providing recommendations for curricular design and future policy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Teachers at 2 universities in Hanoi participated in group interviews, and students from these 2 universities completed Likert-style questionnaires.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Students and teachers regarded PBL positively. However, there was consensus that hybrid models that used PBL alongside other methods are probably the most beneficial for public health education in Vietnam. Teachers discussed the educational and systematic advantages and difficulties associated with PBL.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Themes arising from this analysis may be helpful in guiding future research-namely, regarding the application of PBL in low- and middle-income countries and in public health. Further exploration of the use of PBL hybrid models is discussed.
authors.affiliation: University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia john.w.grisham@gmail.com.
authors.forename: John W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Grisham
authors.affiliation: University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Alexandra L C
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Martiniuk
authors.affiliation: University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Joel
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Negin
authors.affiliation: Medical Committee Netherlands-Vietnam, Hanoi, Vietnam.
authors.forename: E P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Wright
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D010808:Physical Examination; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D011634:Public Health; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014744:Vietnam