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Integrating gender perspectives in gynecology and obstetrics: Engaging medical colleges in Maharashtra, India
Author(s) -
Rege Sangeeta,
BhateDeosthali Padma,
Shingare Pravin,
Gadappa Srinivas,
Deshpande Sonali,
Gaikwad Nandkishore,
Vaidya Shailesh
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1002/ijgo.12834
Subject(s) - curriculum , medicine , reproductive health , abortion , obstetrics and gynaecology , medical education , reproductive rights , health care , human sexuality , family medicine , obstetrics , gender studies , pregnancy , population , environmental health , economic growth , psychology , sociology , pedagogy , biology , genetics , economics
Failure to acknowledge the impact of sex and gender differences affects the quality of health care provision, and is an impediment to reducing health inequities. Systematic efforts were initiated in Maharashtra, India for reducing these disparities by developing gender‐integrated curricula in undergraduate ( UG ) medical education between 2015 and 2018. A review of UG obstetrics and gynecology curricula indicated a lack of gender lens and focus on the reproductive rights of women. Based on these gaps, a gender‐integrated curriculum was developed, implemented, and tested with medical students. Significant positive attitudes were seen among male and female students for themes such as access to safe abortion; understanding reproductive health concerns and their complex relationship with gender roles; violence against women as a health issue; and sexuality and health. These results strengthened the resolve to advocate for such a curriculum to be integrated across all medical colleges in the state.