Ali T, Ryali S, Upadhyay S, Swaminathan U, Patki S, Chaudhury S. Gender and sexual orientation of undergraduate medical students in India: A cross-sectional study.
Ind Psychiatry J 2023;
32:142-149. [PMID:
37274584 PMCID:
PMC10236688 DOI:
10.4103/ipj.ipj_115_22]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Although the potential for alternate conceptions of gender roles and sexual orientations are diverse, it is by-and-large not well tolerated. This study explores the self-reported gender-roles and sexual orientations of Indian undergraduate medical students.
Aim
To study self-reported gender role and sexual orientation of undergraduate medical students in India.
Method
One hundred twenty volunteers were included in the study consisting of 60 males and 60 females. A questionnaire comprising of a sociodemographic proforma, Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI), and Epstein Sexual Orientation Inventory (ESOI) were given to each participant. The scales were scored, tabulated, and statistically analyzed.
Results
The BSRI revealed that femininity was predominant in both female and male participants, at 68.33% and 55%, respectively. The ESOI revealed that females had significantly higher opposite-sex attraction than males. Though males had higher same-sex attraction than females, the difference was not statistically significant. Females also had a significantly higher sexual orientation range and a mean sexual orientation. Sexual drive was significantly higher in males. Significantly more females supported homosexuality and bisexuality as compared to males.
Conclusion
This study helps establish that gender roles can be non-conforming. It helps ascertain that while heterosexual orientation predominates, alternate sexual orientations also exist. It paves the way for future studies and explorations to alleviate public misconceptions.
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