Gender Diverse Attitudes Fade with Time: A Longitudinal Study on Communication Skills and Professionalism among MBBS Students in the Era of AETCOM Training

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Published: January 9, 2026

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Authors

Mousumi Datta, Debasis Das, and Poulomi Mukherjee

DOI Number
https://doi.org/10.15415/jmrh.2025.121005

Keywords
Attitude, Communication, Gender role, Medical students, Professionalism, Undergraduate medical education

Abstract

Background: The longitudinal Attitude, Ethics, and Communication AETCOM module was introduced as a part of the competency based medical education curriculum to enhance students’ ethical reasoning, communication, empathy, and professional conduct. While gender differences in communication and professionalism are widely reported, it is unknown how AETCOM training influences these differences over time.

Purpose: To measure attitudes toward communication skills and professionalism among medical students during AETCOM training and to find gender differences, if any, and their change with time.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted among 150 MBBS students from two Kolkata medical colleges, one government and one private. Attitudes were measured at baseline during Phase I MBBS and at endline during Phase III using the Communication Skills Attitude Scale and the Pharmacy Professionalism Instrument. Gender wise differences were tested using non-parametric methods, and correlations among scales were examined using Spearman’s rho.

Results: At baseline, female students reported significantly higher positive attitude scores (p = .016) and professionalism scores (p < .001), and lower negative attitude scores (p = .001). By endline, these gender differences diminished (p > .05). Both genders showed overall declines in professionalism scores, while median positive and negative attitude scores remained stable for male students. A consistent negative correlation existed between positive and negative attitude scales across time (ρ ≈ −.40 to −.50).

Conclusion: Early gender differences were attenuated with time during AETCOM exposure, with a lowering of favourable attitudes among female students as opposed to steady attitudes among male students. The overall non improvement or decline in scores points toward limited retention and potential curricular gaps in sustaining positive attitudes. Integrating reinforcement based, reflective learning and longitudinal mentorship may strengthen the impact of AETCOM.

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How to Cite

Mousumi Datta, Debasis Das, and Poulomi Mukherjee. Gender Diverse Attitudes Fade with Time: A Longitudinal Study on Communication Skills and Professionalism among MBBS Students in the Era of AETCOM Training. J. Multidiscip. Res. Healthcare. 2025, 12, 39-49

Gender Diverse Attitudes Fade with Time: A Longitudinal Study on Communication Skills and Professionalism among MBBS Students in the Era of AETCOM Training

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