Medical education level's relationship with attitudes toward women and LGBTIQ+ individuals

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Dominant ideologies lay the groundwork for the rising prejudices against women and LGBTIQ+ individuals who may be disadvantaged in the hierarchy. These biases exist in medical doctors as well as in the community. Negative attitudes toward women and LGBTIQ+ individuals negatively affect healthcare service quality and lead to inequality and loss of rights. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the attitudes of students and resident physicians in medical school regarding sexism and discrimination based on sexual orientation. METHODS: First-grade students (n=112), 6th-grade students (n=68), and resident physicians receiving postgraduate training in medicine (n=41) were included in this study. Sociodemographic data form, Ambivalent Sexism Inventory, and Multidimensional Sexual Orientation Attitude Scale were applied. RESULTS: Compared to groups based on education levels, scale scores on sexism and discrimination against sexual minorities did not vary between groups (p>0.05). The most apparent difference between women and men was the high scores of hostile sexism in male participants (p<0.001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Current medical education does not change biased attitudes of physician candidates and physicians based on gender roles and sexual orientation. For all individuals to benefit equally from the health service, it would be helpful to add gender equality and discrimination based on sexual orientation to medical education and make these classes practical if possible.

Keywords

• medical education
• sexism
• sexual minorities
• lgbt
• homophobia