European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Gender is a critical social determinant of health, so, implementation of gender perspectives in medical education and research is a need of the hour. To achieve gender equity is a gradual process and for better health, gender sensitization should be included in medical education curriculum. So, we aimed this study to measure gender sensitivity and stereotype among first year MBBS students. Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among phase I MBBS students of Nandkumar Singh Chauhan Government Medical College, Khandwa, M.P. We measured Gender awareness by using established valid and reliable Nijmegen Gender Awareness in Medicine Scale (N-GAMS). The responses were scored from 1 to 5 on Likert scale, negative statements were reverse scored. Quantitative data was expressed in mean & SD and students t test was used to find out the statistical association in two groups. A total of 70 students were participated in the study. Female (50%) and male (50%) students were equal in number. Difference between GS sub scores for female and male students were not statistically significant. Statistically significant difference was found with GRIP and GRID sub scores of female and male students, which means male students were having more stereotyped opinion towards patients and doctors. Above study brings forth the importance of gender in medical education and research. Further studies are needed for a better understanding of the factors that could increase gender sensitivity and reduce gender stereotypes among medical students.