Medical students' attitudes toward persons with disability: a comparative study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Disability Studies
• Social Psychology

Background:

• Understanding medical students' attitudes towards disability is crucial for effective patient care.
• Previous research indicates variability in attitudes influenced by demographic and experiential factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess first-year medical students' attitudes towards individuals with disabilities.
• To determine the influence of gender and prior disability experience on these attitudes.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey design was employed in university settings in the US and Canada.
• Ninety first-year medical students completed three validated surveys: Attitude Toward Disabled Persons (ATDP) Scale, Scale of Attitudes Toward Disabled Persons (SADP), and Rehabilitation Situations Inventory (RSI).

Main Results:

• Medical students exhibited more positive attitudes on the ATDP scale compared to norms, but less positive attitudes on the SADP.
• Male students reported poorer attitudes than female students. Prior experience with disability correlated with greater comfort in challenging rehabilitation scenarios.
• Comfort in rehabilitation situations varied with experience but not gender; positive attitudes toward disability predicted greater comfort.

Conclusions:

• First-year medical students in the US and Canada displayed similar, yet nuanced, attitudes towards disability, often falling below SADP norms.
• Gender and background in disability significantly impacted attitudes, with males showing more negative perceptions.
• Educational strategies are needed to foster more positive attitudes and enhance preparedness for supporting individuals with disabilities.