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Attitudes of Osteopathic Medical Students on the Future of Medical Education and Clinical Practice following the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Decision

Journal: Journal of Osteopathic Medicine Date: 2023/12, 123(12):Pages: A118-119. doi: Subito , type of study: cross sectional study


Keywords:

abortion [5]
attitude [117]
cross sectional study [597]
female [379]
medical students [402]
osteopathic medicine [1540]
politics [7]
pregnancy [142]
USA [1086]
women [333]

Abstract:

Statement of Significance: The 1973 decision that affirmed the constitutional right to abortion was overturned in Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization [1]. As a result, states have implemented new jurisdiction over access to abortion which has the potential to impact medical education [2-4]. As abortion education is already limited in pre-clinical years, we aim to assess if Dobbs will limit medical students’ training further and/or discourage them from pursuing a career involving the care of pregnant women [5-8]. To investigate the attitudes of osteopathic medical students regarding abortion restrictions following the Dobbs decision and its effect on future medical education and clinical practice. Research Methods: This cross-sectional, observational study collected data from 158 medical students at an osteopathic medical school in Florida, United States between February and March 2023. The participants completed an online questionnaire consisting of 35 anonymous items. The questionnaire assessed their opinions about future abortion education and practice, religiosity, and the acceptability of abortion at later stages of gestation. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the sample characteristics and responses regarding concerns about future medical training and practice after the Dobbs decision. Hypothesis testing was performed using Speakman’s rank correlation and multivariate linear regression to explore the relationship between the dependent variables and the students’ attitudes towards abortion. The data analysis was conducted using SPSS v.29 statistical software. Data Analysis: In total, 158 participants completed the questionnaire; 91 (57.6%) were women. The mean age was 25.8 (range 21-37 years). A significant regression equation was found, F(3,134) = 205.750, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.822, R2 adjusted = 0.818). The percentage of variance in the scores accounted for by the model was 60%. Feeling that the abortion ban would impact their training and future practice, lower levels of religiosity, and acceptability of abortion at later weeks significantly contributed to more positive attitudes toward abortion overall in this sample of osteopathic medical students. Conclusion: The results suggest that attitudes towards abortion are influenced by several factors, extending beyond personal religiosity. For instance, acceptance of abortions in later weeks of gestation emerged as a factor that may conflict with new state laws restricting access to such procedures. Additionally, the findings shed light on participants’ concerns regarding their medical training in abortion procedures and the potential implications of the restrictive laws on their future medical practice. These findings hold significance in guiding osteopathic medical education initiatives to ensure that abortion practices and procedures are included in the curriculum, particularly for aspiring physicians interested in women’s health. By addressing these concerns, medical education can better equip future healthcare professionals to meet the holistic, whole-person needs of pregnant patients and provide comprehensive care.


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