Gender differences in medical students in relation to gender bias and sensitivity: analysis for the implementation of a gender medicine programme

Background. Gender bias is strongly present in the medical field and results in differences in diagnosis and treatment between males and females, which can compromise people’s health. Objectives. The aim of the research is to assess the presence of gender sensitivity and gender role ideology with regard to both patients and physicians in medical students, in order to implement a gender medicine training course. Methods. An online survey was conducted using the Nijmegen Gender Awareness in Medicine Scale (N-GAMS), measuring attitudes and assumptions about gender. One hundred and eleven students (48.6% F; mean age: 22.92 ± 3.771) of Medicine and Surgery (3rd year) at the University of Salerno (Italy) participated. Results. A significant difference between male and female students was found. Female students had higher sensitivity to gender issues (3.70 ± 0.70) compared with male students (3.51 ± 0.66). Male students had a significantly higher score of gender role ideology towards patients (GRIP) (2.12 ± 0.77). The gender role ideology towards doctors (GRID) subscale suggests that male students have significantly more stereotyped opinions toward doctors (2.00 ± 0.82) than females (1.56 ± 0.85). Conclusions. It is necessary to promote gender medicine in medical and surgical university courses in order to increase awareness of gender differences in clinical and health care from an international perspective, to make patient interventions more effective and to counteract gender prejudices that can undermine people’s health.