Evaluation of first-year medical students’ attitudes about gender equality
Makaleler > Tam Makale · 2015
Yazarlar: ZS Varol, Meltem ÇİÇEKLİOĞLU, S Taner
European Journal of Public Health, Uluslararası, Wos, 2015, cilt 25
DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckv175.083
Özet
Background Differences between men and women in health consist in the interaction of biological, psychological, socio-economic factors. Recognition of gender differences can prevent inequity in healtcare services. The aim of this study is to evaluate the attitudes of first-year students in a medical faculty regarding gender equality. Method Population of this cross-sectional study is consisted of 356 (81%) of 435 first-year students in Ege University Faculty of Medicine, in 2013–2014 period. Attitudes toward gender equality were assessed using “Gender Equality Scale’s” Turkish version that includes 24-item questionnaire and two sub-scales. Data were analyzed using; average, standard deviation, t-test in independent groups. Results Gender Equality Scale’s “Traditional Gender Norms” sub-scale average score was 43.1 ± 5.1, “Equalitarian Gender Norms” sub-scale score average was 19.6 ± 2.1, and total score average was 62.6 ± 5.6. Scale average score (SAS) of female students were significantly higher than male students (respectevly 65.3 ± 3.9 and 60.6 ± 5.8). (p < 0.001) SAS of the students whose mothers were unemployed/housewifes (61.9 ± 5.8), were significantly lower than students that had a working mother (63.5 ± 5.3). SAS of students whose mother’s and father’s educational level was primary and below (respectevely 61.3 ± 5.9 and 59.9 ± 6.2), were significantly lower than students whose mother’s and father’s educational level was upper than primary school (respectevly 63.2 ± 5.4 and 63.2 ± 5.4). (p < 0.05) Conclusion According to findings, this study indicate that gender equality attitude is impressed by socio-demographic variables. We suggest that curriculum changes should be made to improve the perception of gender equality in education and reduce the level of gender equality attitude differences arising from the socio-economic characteristics of students. Key Words: Gender, attitude, medical students Note: This research was presented in 17th National Public Health Congress in Turkey. Key messages Recognition of gender differences can prevent inequity in healtcare services gender equality attitude is impressed by socio-demographic variables