Open Access: View PDF

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijmhs.2347.9981.4217.4

Abstract

Background: Sexual history taking (SHT) for instance is described as an important clinical skill that formal medical school curricula have historically neglected. However, such skill deficit might not be overcome even after graduation. The deficiency in learning SHT skills might eventually affect students’ career choices. Aim: To assess the difficulties faced by undergraduate medical students while eliciting sexual history and to identify the pitfalls and the students preferences in the teaching learning methods for taking sexual history perceived by the students. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in our medical college hospital between Jan 2016 and June 2016 involving the students of final year medical students and CRRI’S. Total numbers of participants were 220 students. Questions related to their comfort and confident level in eliciting sexual history along with general history, prerequisites in obtaining sexual history and the ideal age and gender according to the students perception was all obtained in the questionnaire. Questions for assessing the barriers in eliciting sexual history among the medical student’s and the current teaching methods which were followed for obtaining the sexual history was obtained. Likerts scale was used for assessing the student’s attitude towards asking the sexual history. Finally suggestions were also asked in improving the teaching methods for obtaining the sexual history. Results: The CRRI’s were found to be more confident in eliciting sexual history than the final year MBBS students, as they had one more additional year of exposure and females in both the groups were found to be slightly more confident than the males in eliciting the sexual history. Most of the students in both the groups felt that cultural and religious differences are the major barriers in eliciting the sexual history and they were also able to recognise their own limitations. Majority of the students agree to the point that they had not been adequately trained in eliciting sexual history. Students felt that they have to be taught by means of role play, video clips and simulated patients which would practically guide them in eliciting sexual history to the patient in a much more skilful and confident manner. Conclusions: Lack of confidence in approaching the subject of sexual health, inadequate preparation were some of the barriers identified. The delivery of sexual health education program should incorporate confidence building and to make students feel comfortable to take a sexual history from patients.

Keywords: Under Graduate Medical College Students; Sexual History Taking; Teaching Learning Methods. 

Corresponding Author : Roshni Menon R., Professor, Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Sri Venkateshwaraa Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Ariyur, Puducherry 605102, India.