(063) Assessing the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Graduating Medical Students Towards Sexual Health in Lebanon

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Despite the growing medical literature pertaining to the topic of SH, only a few studies have investigated the adequacy of medical training programs for graduating physicians who are able to identify, counsel, and manage SH concerns. Additionally, no studies have comprehensively assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of medical students regarding SH. This gap in literature is even more evident in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which could be attributed to cultural and religious factors. These factors not only impede the exploration of SH topics in the medical field, but also manifest as lack of accessibility and availability of SH services in Arab countries. Objective Despite the vital role of Sexual Health (SH) in healthcare, very few studies have investigated the adequacy of training of medical students in SH matters. Our study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and readiness of graduating medical students to learn about SH in Lebanon, and to determine the demographic and educational factors that influence our findings. Methods This is a cross-sectional study. A self-designed questionnaire exploring various components of SH (contraception, STIs, IPV, sexuality, etc.) was sent to all graduating medical students in Lebanon. Knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were computed. ANOVA with subsequent post-hoc tests were used for analysis. Results The overall mean knowledge score was relatively low (2.61, range -13 to 10). A statistically significant difference was found in the mean knowledge score across religion (p = 0.028) and religiosity (p < 0.001) categories as the mean knowledge score was higher in the atheist group when compared to the religious groups, and that of the “moderately/very religious” category was lower than that of the “not/slightly religious” (p = 0.001). The mean practice score also differed significantly across income groups (p = 0.01). No other significant associations were found between gender, sexuality, environment, primary source of SH education, or language and the mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores. Conclusions Our findings suggest that graduating students in Lebanese medical schools are not appropriately trained to address SH matters in clinical practice. This allows medical educators to examine the gaps in knowledge, attitude, and practice towards sexual healthcare. Pertinently incorporating, reforming, and updating SH education in medical school curricula would provide students with the appropriate skillset needed for their upcoming medical practice. Additional standardized assessment of medical students’ competencies in SH matters through diverse research models is needed. Reexamination of existing medical curricula and inclusion of more extensive SH education is necessary to improve patient care. Our study is the first study in Lebanon and the MENA to look at SH competencies of future physicians in a comprehensive approach. Disclosure No