Gender Awareness among Medical Students at the National University of Loja
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54753/rsh.v2i1.2678Keywords:
Gender, Gender Stereotypes, Gender Awareness, Gender Biases, Gender Sensitivity, Health EquityAbstract
The objective of this research was to analyze gender awareness among medical students at the National University of Loja, considering the need for medical training that recognizes how social determinants influence health. The study was conducted using a quantitative approach with a descriptive, cross-sectional design, applying the Abbreviated Scale of Gender Awareness in Health Sciences (EACGCS) to a representative sample of 296 students. Sociodemographic results evidenced a feminization of enrollment (68.9%) and a predominance of students from urban areas with a high level of family education. Regarding the main variable, it was determined that 65.2% of the student body possesses a moderate level of gender awareness. A significant dissociation in stereotypes was highlighted: while 45.9% showed a low presence of prejudice towards professional colleagues, moderate (50.7%) and high (30.1%) levels of stereotypes directed towards patients persisted. Likewise, it was confirmed that women present significantly higher levels of high awareness (30.4%) compared to men (16.3%). It is concluded that, although there is a foundation of sensitization, the persistence of bias towards patients requires the implementation of active pedagogical strategies; therefore, an intervention proposal was designed to mainstream the gender approach in clinical practice.References
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