Changes in Medical Students’ Empathy Level in Different Academic Years: A Trend Analysis

Abstract

Empathy is an essential attribute that enables physicians to comprehend the condition and emotions of their patients, facilitating accurate responses. Consequently, empathy has been linked to improved diagnoses and enhanced clinical outcomes. This study aimed to assess the changing patterns of empathy levels among medical students during their academic tenure in medical school. A descriptive study was conducted using convenience sampling, involving 361 medical students in Ahvaz, Iran, between September and December 2021. Empathy levels were assessed using the Persian adaptation of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (student version) (JSE-S). Statistical analyses were conducted using the t-test and variance analysis (ANOVA). Based on the empathy scale (ranging from 20 to 140), the mean empathy score among medical students was found to be 106.42±14.8, exhibiting variations based on study year, gender, and grade point average (GPA) (p < 0.01). Notably, a significant decline in empathy scores was observed in final-year students compared to their counterparts in the first year (113.39 vs. 97.05; p < 0.001). Female students and those with higher GPAs demonstrated a higher level of empathy (p < 0.001). The results of the present study revealed that medical students in Iran exhibit a moderate level of empathy compared to findings from local studies. Furthermore, the findings suggest a decline in empathy levels as students progress through their years in medical school. Based on these findings, it is strongly recommended to integrate empathy training into the medical curriculum. Such an approach would enhance student learning and contribute to positive patient care outcomes.