Cultural Competency of Medical Students: An Asian Context
https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.19.2.27
- Author:
Kavitha A Kumar
1
;
Ashok Kumar Jeppu
2
;
Nirmala Devi
3
;
Fazna Saleem
1
;
Sohayla M Attalla
4
;
Mahfuza Aktar
5
Author Information
1. Department of ORL, International Medical School, Management and Science University, Malaysia
2. Department of Biochemistry International Medical School, Management and Science University, Malaysia
3. Faculty of Social Sciences and Educational Studies, Management and Science University, Malaysia
4. Department of Forensic Medicine, International Medical School, Management and Science University, Malaysia
5. Department of Paediatrics, International Medical School, Management and Science University, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Cultural competency, Demographic factors, Medical students, Malaysia
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2023;19(No.2):182-189
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: People of different cultures perceive health and disease differently. A culturally competent healthcare
team is needed to provide quality healthcare. In Asian medical schools, less emphasis is laid on cultural competency
training. In this context, the study aims to assess the cultural competency of medical students in Malaysia and to
fathom the demographic factors influencing it. Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted on students from
all five years of a Malaysian medical school using an adapted version of Clinical Cultural Competency Questionnaire
(CCCQ) to tap the self-perceived knowledge, skills, comfort level in cross-cultural encounters and attitude towards
cultural competency. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyse the data. Results: Among the 291 respondents, the cultural competency was found to be significantly different among medical students of different year
of study, age, and ethnicity. However, with regards to gender, country of birth or the number of languages spoken,
the difference was insignificant. The clinical year students had significantly higher scores on the knowledge, skills,
comfort level and attitude domains of cultural competency when compared to the preclinical students. Chinese
students’ perception on cultural competence was significantly distinct from Indian and Malay students. Conclusion:
Exposure to cross cultural encounters in clinical settings and personal experiences seem to influence cultural competency of the medical students. It provides valuable data to plan for interventions, training and self-development
strategies aimed at providing culturally attuned patient centred care.
- Full text:11.2023my1477.pdf
