615-P: Bias in Medical Students’ Perceived Understanding of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes—A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

by sugaradmin



Introduction and Objective: The causes and management of diabetes are widely misunderstood. The prevailing narrative misrepresents diabetes as a self-inflicted condition, attributed to laziness, gluttony, and irresponsibility. While many health care professionals are supportive, evidence suggests biases exist in diabetes care. The purpose of this study was to examine if these biases develop early in medical training.Methods: We conducted an anonymous cross-sectional survey comparing medical students’ knowledge and attitudes toward type 1 and type 2 diabetes, using Wilcoxon signed rank tests and Chi-Square Tests to assess differences by year in medical school. We analyzed short answer responses via content and thematic analyses.Results: A total of 267 medical students (mean age=25.4±2.7, 71.9% women, 32.6% 2nd-year) completed the survey. Qualitatively, participants understood that type 1 diabetes is caused by autoimmune destruction of beta cells resulting in insufficient insulin production, whereas type 2 diabetes results from a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Despite understanding the causes of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, participants differed in their attitudes towards the conditions. Participants were more likely to agree that people with type 1 diabetes would follow medical advice (Z= -7.349, p<.001), be truthful during medical visits (Z= -7.155, p<.001), and commit to bettering their condition (Z= -6.295, p<.001) compared to people with type 2 diabetes. When comparing these responses by year in medical school, only one question differed, with 3rd and 4th year participants more likely to agree that people with type 2 diabetes would follow medical advice (χ2=23.774, p=.022).Conclusion: Findings suggest medical students’ held biases toward type 2 diabetes, despite understanding the causes. Targeted educational interventions in the early stages of medical training may correct biases towards type 2 diabetes.

Disclosure

R. Taylor: None. E.A. Beverly: None.

Funding

Osteopathic Heritage Foundation



Source link