Exploring gender disparity in medicine: perceptions of female physicians in Lebanon.
Female physician
Gender discrimination
Lebanon
Medicine
Perceptions
Preference
Journal
BMC medical education
ISSN: 1472-6920
Titre abrégé: BMC Med Educ
Pays: England
ID NLM: 101088679
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
23 Oct 2024
23 Oct 2024
Historique:
received:
24
03
2024
accepted:
04
10
2024
medline:
23
10
2024
pubmed:
23
10
2024
entrez:
23
10
2024
Statut:
epublish
Résumé
Global research on gender bias has highlighted key trends in discrimination and inequality across various fields, including medicine. In Lebanon, a nation celebrated for its diverse cultural landscape and increasing female representation in medical education, there has been a notable absence of studies exploring gender dynamics in the medical profession. To address this gap, we conducted a cross-sectional study using an online survey to explore the Lebanese population's perceptions towards female physicians and the quality of care they provide. The mean age of the study sample (n = 330) was 31.55 ± 10.07 years and included 114 females and 216 males. Most respondents had received care from a female physician. Notably, those who selected female physicians as their family doctors or had female doctors within their immediate family displayed a stronger tendency to engage in annual medical check-ups. While most respondents did not express any preference for the gender of their general practitioner or surgeon, there was a marked preference for female obstetricians/gynecologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians, and dermatologists. This preference was attributed to perceptions of female physicians being particularly compassionate, understanding, and proficient in communication. This study represents a groundbreaking contribution to understanding gender perceptions in the Lebanese medical field. It highlights the growing trust and positive regard for female physicians, underscoring the significant role in shaping healthcare experiences and outcomes in Lebanon.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
Global research on gender bias has highlighted key trends in discrimination and inequality across various fields, including medicine. In Lebanon, a nation celebrated for its diverse cultural landscape and increasing female representation in medical education, there has been a notable absence of studies exploring gender dynamics in the medical profession.
METHODS
METHODS
To address this gap, we conducted a cross-sectional study using an online survey to explore the Lebanese population's perceptions towards female physicians and the quality of care they provide.
RESULTS
RESULTS
The mean age of the study sample (n = 330) was 31.55 ± 10.07 years and included 114 females and 216 males. Most respondents had received care from a female physician. Notably, those who selected female physicians as their family doctors or had female doctors within their immediate family displayed a stronger tendency to engage in annual medical check-ups. While most respondents did not express any preference for the gender of their general practitioner or surgeon, there was a marked preference for female obstetricians/gynecologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians, and dermatologists. This preference was attributed to perceptions of female physicians being particularly compassionate, understanding, and proficient in communication.
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSIONS
This study represents a groundbreaking contribution to understanding gender perceptions in the Lebanese medical field. It highlights the growing trust and positive regard for female physicians, underscoring the significant role in shaping healthcare experiences and outcomes in Lebanon.
Identifiants
pubmed: 39438995
doi: 10.1186/s12909-024-06131-5
pii: 10.1186/s12909-024-06131-5
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
1192Informations de copyright
© 2024. The Author(s).
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