TY  - JOUR
AU  - Khamisy-Farah, Rola
AU  - Biras, Eden
AU  - Shehadeh, Rabie
AU  - Tuma, Ruba
AU  - Atwan, Hisham
AU  - Siri, Anna
AU  - Converti, Manlio
AU  - Chirico, Francesco
AU  - Szarpak, Łukasz
AU  - Biz, Carlo
AU  - Farah, Raymond
AU  - Bragazzi, Nicola
PY  - 2024
DA  - 2024/10/8
TI  - Gender and Sexuality Awareness in Medical Education and Practice: Mixed Methods Study
JO  - JMIR Med Educ
SP  - e59009
VL  - 10
KW  - gender medicine
KW  - medical education
KW  - clinical practice
KW  - gender-sensitive care
KW  - gender awareness
KW  - sexuality awareness
KW  - awareness
KW  - medical education and practice
KW  - healthcare
KW  - patient outcomes
KW  - patient
KW  - patients
KW  - medical professionals
KW  - training
KW  - educational interventions
KW  - status-based
KW  - survey
KW  - effectiveness
KW  - medical workforce
AB  - Background: The integration of gender and sexuality awareness in health care is increasingly recognized as vital for patient outcomes. Despite this, there is a notable lack of comprehensive data on the current state of physicians’ training and perceptions in these areas, leading to a gap in targeted educational interventions and optimal health care delivery. Objective: The study’s aim was to explore the experiences and perceptions of attending and resident physicians regarding the inclusion of gender and sexuality content in medical school curricula and professional practice in Israel. Methods: This cross-sectional survey targeted a diverse group of physicians across various specializations and experience levels. Distributed through Israeli Medical Associations and professional networks, it included sections on experiences with gender and sexuality content, perceptions of knowledge, the impact of medical school curricula on professional capabilities, and views on integrating gender medicine in medical education. Descriptive and correlational analyses, along with gender-based and medical status-based comparisons, were used, complemented, and enhanced by qualitative analysis of participants’ replies. Results: The survey, encompassing 189 respondents, revealed low-to-moderate exposure to gender and sexuality content in medical school curricula, with a similar perception of preparedness. A need for more comprehensive training was widely recognized. The majority valued training in these areas for enhancing professional capabilities, identifying 10 essential gender-related knowledge areas. The preference for integrating gender medicine throughout medical education was significant. Gender-based analysis indicated variations in exposure and perceptions. Conclusions: The study highlights a crucial need for the inclusion of gender and sexuality awareness in medical education and practice. It suggests the necessity for curriculum development, targeted training programs, policy advocacy, mentorship initiatives, and research to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions. The findings serve as a foundation for future directions in medical education, aiming for a more inclusive, aware, and prepared medical workforce. 
SN  - 2369-3762
UR  - https://mededu.jmir.org/2024/1/e59009
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2196/59009
UR  - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39152652
DO  - 10.2196/59009
ID  - info:doi/10.2196/59009
ER  -