AWARENESS OF MEDICAL ETHICS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS IN A PRIVATE MEDICAL SCHOOL: A CROSS SECTIONAL SURVEY

Abstract

Objective: To identify the gaps in knowledge of medical ethics among undergraduates.

Study Design: An observational cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at CMH Lahore medical College, from Aug 2017 to Mar 2018.

Methodology: Students from 3rd to 5th year MBBS were included in this study. Sample size calculated was 272, non-probability consecutive sampling technique was used. To collect the data, a 25 item questionnaire was developed following An International Association for Medical Education (AMEE) guide line number 87. Five point likert scale was used as well as categorical yes/no questions were asked to assess the responses.

Results: Data were collected from 3rd year to 5th year MBBS undergraduates. Response rate was 82.72%. There was almost equal gender distribution; 51.1 % were male and 48.9% were female. Most of the respondents, 95.6% and 95.1% were of the view that medical ethics are important and should be taught at undergraduate level respectively. Majority 72.4% said Hippocrates declaration oath was not taught adequately. Only 42% and 46% were aware of medical ethics regarding publication and organ transplant respectively. Total score was calculated which showed that knowledge of medical ethics was highest among 3rd year and lowest among 4th year medical students.

Conclusion: Important ethical issues are being neglected in our current curriculum.