Israeli Druze women's sex preferences when choosing obstetricians and gynecologists

Do breast cancer patients have a gender preference when choosing a breast surgeon?

Introduction

There is a paucity of data on breast cancer (BC) patients' gender preferences when it comes to choosing their surgeon, unlike in other specialties like gynaecology and obstetrics, where women tend to prefer a female physician. The aim of this trial was to examine if there are any gender preferences in women with BC at the time of choosing their breast surgeon.

Material and methods

A cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study with 528 patients, older than 18 years, at the Breast Department 'Servicio Oncológico Hospitalario del Instituto Venezolano de los Seguros Sociales', from January to June 2022. We applied an anonymous questionnaire to evaluate patients' gender preferences when it comes to choosing their breast surgeon.

Results

The average age of the patients was 56 ± 11 years. 89.4% did not have gender preferences, whereas 6.5% and 4.1% chose to be treated by female surgeons and male surgeons, respectively. The most important characteristics chosen by the patients when they decided to choose their breast surgeon were experience (75%), knowledge (54%) and hospital-based (41%).

Conclusion

Personal and professional skills are the most important factors when it comes to patients choosing their breast surgeon, gender does not have any impact on expertise or competence.

Challenges in the Timely Diagnosis of Behcet's Disease

Behcet's disease (BD) is a chronic, multi-systemic inflammatory disorder mainly characterized by recurrent oral and genital ulcers, skin lesions, and uveitis. As no pathognomonic laboratory test exists for BD, the diagnosis relies solely on clinical features. Over the years, great efforts have been invested in creating clinical diagnostic and classification criteria. The international study group criteria introduced in 1990 were the first true multinational set of criteria. Despite improving the ability to diagnose BD, these criteria still have limitations, including the inability to diagnose patients presenting without oral ulcers or presenting with rare manifestations of the disease. This led to the introduction of the international criteria for BD in 2013, which improved the sensitivity with minimal compromise on specificity. Despite the efforts made and as our understanding of the clinical manifestations of BD and genetic pathogenesis continue to evolve, efforts should be made to further enhance the currently accepted international classification criteria, perhaps by incorporating genetic testing (e.g., family history or HLA typing) as well as ethnic group-specific features.

Factors that influence preference for male or female urologist among underserved patients in New York City

Objective

To examine the prevalence of patient preference for male or female urologic provider and explore which patient characteristics influence this preference.

Materials and Methods

After obtaining hospital Institutional Review Board approval, a 14-question survey in English and Spanish was administered across four general urology clinic sites in a single hospital system in New York City. The survey asked demographic questions and preference for a male or a female urologist. The survey included questions pertaining to the nature of the clinic visit and subsequent provider preference as well. Statistics were performed using Stata 16 (StataCorp, College Station, TX).

Results

A total of 540 patients completed the 14-question survey. The vast majority of survey respondents identified as male (90%). The largest proportion demographic groups were those aged 41-60 (47%), Hispanic or Latino (43%), Catholic (47%), unemployed (40%) and those with a high school level of education (34%). Most patients (60%) did not have a preference for a specific gender provider, whereas 37% preferred a male provider, and 3% preferred a female provider. On univariate analysis, patient age 25-40, less than high school education level and lack of employment were significant predictors of provider gender preference (p < 0.05), with most patients indicating a male provider preference. On multivariate analysis of gender, age, education level and employment status, gender and education level were not significant predictors of preference, whereas age 25-40 and being unemployed were significant predictors (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Patient gender, race and religion do not appear to influence their preference to be seen by a male or a female urologist in the clinic setting. However, patient age, unemployment and potentially educational attainment were significantly associated with a provider gender preference.

Preference of birth attendant gender and associated factors among antenatal care attendants at Debre Markos town public health facilities, Northwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study design 2021

OBJECTIVE

To assess the preference of birth attendant gender and associated factors among antenatal care attendants in Debre Markos town public health facilities, northwest Ethiopia, 2021.

METHOD

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 8 January 2021 to 28 February 2021 at Debre Markos town public health facilities. A total of 662 study participants were selected by systematic random sampling technique. Pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaires were used for data collection. Data were entered using Epi Data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were applied to identify factors associated with birth attendant gender preference. Association was described by the "odd ratio" along with a 95% confidence interval. Finally, a P value < 0.05 in the adjusted analysis was used to declare a significant association.

RESULT

In this study, 644 women participated making a response rate of 97.3%. Of the total study participants, 108 (16.8%; 95% confidence interval: 13.8-19.4) preferred male birth attendants, while 232 (36%; 95% confidence interval: 32.5-39.8) preferred female birth attendants. Age (15-24) (adjusted odds ratio = 4.81, 95% confidence interval: 1.79, 12.94), no formal education (adjusted odds ratio = 2.94, 95% confidence interval: 1.32, 6.52), and primary education (adjusted odds ratio = 2.42, 95% confidence interval: 1.07, 5.47) were significantly associated with female birth attendant preference. A lack of formal education (adjusted odds ratio = 0.08; 95% confidence interval: 0.01, 0.68), secondary education (adjusted odds ratio = 0.34; 95% confidence interval: 0.16, 0.71), and history of assisted vaginal delivery (adjusted odds ratio = 3.72; 95% confidence interval: 1.40, 9.87) were significantly associated with a male birth attendant preference.

CONCLUSION

A female birth attendant is preferred by almost one-third of pregnant mothers, while one-sixth preferred a male. The clients who were younger in age and lower in educational status were more likely to prefer female birth attendants, whereas those who had a history of assisted vaginal delivery were more likely to prefer male birth attendants. To have a mother in the continuum of care, it is crucial to take her preferences into account when providing services.

Population Preference of Surgeon's Gender for Surgical Care and Their Attitudes Toward Female Surgeons in Taif, Saudi Arabia

Introduction

One contributing factor that has led to a reduction in the number of females entering the profession of surgery is discrimination against female surgeons. Little is known about the practices, attitudes, and perceptions of the Saudi population toward gender discrimination in the field of surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the practices, attitudes, and perceptions of the Taif population in choosing a surgeon based on their gender.

Materials and methods

An online pretested questionnaire was randomly sent to the participants living in Taif city. Collected data were subjected to scrutiny to check participants' study inclusion criteria. All the data were subjected to statistical analysis by an independent biostatistician. Pearson's chi-square test was used to search for a statistically significant association between categorical variables.

Results

About 49.5% of the participants preferred a surgeon of the same gender when consulting for a non-emergency visit to a surgery clinic, whereas females significantly preferred a female surgeon (p < 0.001). The most common reason to choose surgeons of the same gender was comfort, followed by ease of talking. About 71.8% of the participants preferred female surgeons for ''sensitive'' surgical cases such as genital, obstetric, or sexual disorders, whereas 12.1% preferred male surgeons.

Conclusion

Females have shown progress in the field of surgery, but there is still much to be done to convert the surgical workplace to be more supportive of women so that they contribute their best effort.

Silent voices that must be heard - women's perceptions of gynecologic examinations

PURPOSE

To analyze the perception of gynecologic examination from the patients' point of view.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This anonymous electronic cross-sectional survey aimed to evaluate the subjective experiences of women during gynecologic examinations (levels of pain, embarrassment and trauma), the manner the examination was conducted, and women's suggestions for improving their experience.

RESULTS

Overall, 6,508 women answered the survey. The examination was considered an embarrassing event by 47%, painful by 35% and traumatic by 19%. Importantly, only 43% of the respondents stated they would notify the gynecologist in case of physical discomfort or pain during the examination. The quality of physician-to-patient communication was rated as the most important aspect of gynecologic examination, and showed a significant association with the general quality of the experience (levels of pain, embarrassment, and trauma). Matters relating to women's privacy during gynecologic examination were also considered important. An option for a companion was rated as important by 64% of the respondents. Significant differences with large effect-sizes were found between the respondents' preferences and their reports of the observed situation.

CONCLUSION

The findings highlight the need for establishing guidelines for gynecologic examinations, according to a patient-centered care approach. This study constitutes a first discourse on the subject of gynecologic examinations in Israel in order to provide an overview and initial insights, serving as a starting point for further specific and more in-depth research.

Family resilience, social support, and family coherence among Jewish, Muslim, and Druze widows who lost their spouses to sudden death

In this cross-sectional study, regressions and multivariate analyses of covariance were used to assess group differences regarding family resilience, family coherence, and social support among 184 widows from three cultural groups in Israel: Druze (n = 66), Jewish (n = 59), and Muslim (n = 59). Druze widows had the lowest social support, but no differences were found between groups regarding family resilience or family coherence. Social support was positively associated with education and living in a city, beyond group. Social support and family coherence were positively associated with family resilience, beyond group. The discussion addresses cultural changes among the three groups.

Transgender men's preferences when choosing obstetricians and gynecologists

BACKGROUND

Transgender men are a marginalized population with unique health care needs. However, their usage of health services is low because of considerable discrimination. A major factor in their avoidance is patient-provider interactions.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 102 transgender men who anonymously completed a 55-item questionnaire in clinic, between 10/2017 and 01/2019. In addition, 92 transgender women filled out the part about family physician's preferences. We examined which characteristics transgender men prefer in their obstetricians/gynecologists in order to promote their usage of healthcare services.

RESULTS

A small majority of the transgender men (54.1%) had no gender preference for their obstetrician/gynecologist, while 42.9% preferred a female obstetrician/gynecologist and 3.1% preferred a male obstetrician/gynecologist. Most transgender men with a same-gender preference preferred female obstetricians/gynecologists for both invasive procedures (e.g., pelvic examination, 97.4%) and non-invasive procedures (e.g., cesarean section, 60%). The reasons for preferences regarding invasive procedures were feeling comfortable, embarrassment and feeling that female obstetricians/gynecologists are gentler. Transgender men who preferred female obstetricians/gynecologists ranked ability (90.5%), sexual tolerance (92.9%) and gender identity tolerance (90.5%) as the top three desirable qualities of obstetricians/gynecologists, while the responders who did not prefer female ranked ability (94.6%), experience (92.9%) and knowledge (92.9%) as the top three qualities. Transgender men with female preferences considered female obstetricians/gynecologists to be more accepting of gender identity compared to the responders that did not prefer females (47.5% vs. 9.1%, P < .001)..

CONCLUSION

A small majority of the transgender men exhibited no gender preference when choosing an obstetrician/gynecologist, although 42.9% preferred females. The latter choice was associated with the assumption that female obstetricians/gynecologists are more tolerant towards their transgender men patients. Educating the medical staff about their special needs and establishing dedicated SGM centers staffed with high percentages of female healthcare providers are highly recommended.

Druze Women and Gender in Druze Society: A Systematic Literature Review

This systematic literature review on Druze women and gender in Druze society reviews central conceptual themes from existing publications to chart future research trajectories. Using a meta-ethnographic methodology, this literature review covers Druze women’s experience of gendered realities in higher education, economic participation, marriage, family life, and health. Our systematic literature review allows us to offer two propositions on existing published knowledge pertaining to Druze women and gender in Druze society. First, we propose that scholarship on Druze women and gender in Druze society constructs Druze women’s experience of gender as not only discursive but material. We incorporate the process of women’s relationship with prohibitive mechanisms of gendered space and men’s experience of masculinist subjectification into an existing term: the spatialization of everyday life. Second, quantitative analysis reveals a disparity in publications between Israel and other countries such as Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. We propose that this disparity relates to the concept of “Druze particularism” while emphasizing their difference vis-à-vis Islamic religion and Arab culture. We suggest that future research thoroughly covers other national contexts and inter-national comparisons of Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and the diaspora, especially in education, economy, and health. Future research trajectories could include examining contemporary sociolegal research on the legal regime that governs family life, research on Druze men from an explicitly feminist perspective, or publications of influential Druze women.

Characteristics Related to Choice of Obstetrician-Gynecologist among Women of Ethiopian Descent in Israel

BACKGROUND

Patient satisfaction with the quality of health care services is complex with many known factors impacting upon satisfaction, among them the choice of physician. Previous studies examined characteristics of a woman's choice of gynecologist, but information regarding reasons for these choices among women of Ethiopian descent is lacking. The objective of this study was to identify characteristics related preference of an obstetrician-gynecologist based on gender among women of Ethiopian descent.

METHOD

Analysis of anonymous self-reported questionnaire distributed to 500 women of Ethiopian descent who visited an obstetrician-gynecologist at least once in the past three years (Mean age 29.5; SD = 8.2). Trust in physician was examined using the TPS scale; service quality was checked using the SERVQUAL; and the 5Qs model was used to measure patient's satisfaction of health care.

RESULTS

Very religious (84.1%) and religious (53.6%) women of Ethiopian descent were more likely to prefer a female obstetrician-gynecologist compared to traditional (39.3%) or secular (34.4%) women (p < 0.001). Participants had higher probability to prefer a male gynecologist if they had more employment hours (OR = 3.57, 95% CI = 1.72-7.42, p < 0.001), and the responsiveness of the physician was less important to them (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.60-0.99, p < 0.05). Age of participants, country of birth, years in Israel, family status, being a mother, education or health status were not associated with choosing a female obstetrician-gynecologist. Religious women would prefer to wait longer for a female gynecologist due to modesty imperatives, even at the cost of compromising their health as a result of waiting longer.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this research highlight the importance of accessibility to female obstetrician-gynecologists for women of Ethiopian descent and demonstrate that determinants in the host population rather than immigrant's past culture, affect the women's decision. This study demonstrates the importance of the health care system in Israel to enable more female obstetrician-gynecologists to treat women of Ethiopian descent.

Measurement Model of Women's Preferences in Obstetrician and Gynecologist Selection in the Private Sector: Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis

Background:

The purpose of this study is to construct and validate a measurement model of women’s preferences in Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OB/GYN) selection in the private sector of non-clinical parameters.

Methods:

This methodological study included 462 respondents in OB/GYN’s offices to a researcher-made questionnaire. The patients visited 57 offices of OB/GYNs in the city of Mashhad in Iran and completed women’s preferences in OB/GYN selection questionnaire over a 2-month period from January to February 2018. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted to verify the instrument’s construct validity. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to test whether the data fit our hypothesized model obtained from EFA model.

Results:

The first draft of the questionnaire was prepared with 118 items based on literature review. The outcome of content validity assessment was a 51-item questionnaire. Scale-Content Validity Index (S-CVI) turned out to be 0.80. The results of EFA yielded an instrument with 33 items in six domains, which explained 52.657% of the total variance of the questionnaire. With performing CFA, the 6-factor model with 29 items demonstrated a good fit with the data (CFI=0.952, CMIN/DF=1.613, RMSEA=0.036). Availability and Accessibility, Communicational Skills, Office Environment, Recommendation by Others, Special Services, and Cost and Insurance were found to define the women’s preferences in OB/GYN selection in private sector, Iran.

Conclusion:

The developed measurement model considers the patient’s preferences that influence decision-making process on OB/GYN selection. It can provide useful knowledge for OB/GYNs and policymakers to design appropriate and efficient marketing strategies according to the consumer preferences priority.

Altered patient perceptions and preferences regarding male and female gynecologists: a comparison between 1997 and 2018

PURPOSE

The purpose of this investigation was to explore changes in patient preference regarding gynecologist's gender.

METHODS

Using a standardized questionnaire, distributed in 1997 and 2018, a total of 1000 women were interviewed about preferences in terms of their choice of gynecologist and perceptions regarding gender-dependency of gynecologist's qualifications, strengths and weaknesses. Data was correlated with sociodemographics and possible influencing factors.

RESULTS

Based on their own experience, an increasing majority did not express a preference for their gynecologist's gender (58-71%). However, the minority that still favors one gender demonstrated a significant decrease in preference of male gynecologists (14-5%), while about a quarter still generally prefer treatment by female physicians. Sub-analyses of emotional and technical treatment aspects generally confirm these trends in that more of today's patients are indifferent to their gynecologist's sex and that the remaining minority shifts towards favoring female doctors. If asked to definitely choose between female and male physicians based solely on the aspect of trust a significant change can be noted (69-30%) in favor of female doctors in 2018 as opposed to 1997 when patients were split in this regard (52%/48%). Overall bad personal experience regarding gynecological treatment has significantly decreased (36% reduction).

CONCLUSION

Over the last decades, patient preference and perception of the importance of their gynecologist's gender has changed. While an increasing majority attributes equal competence in emotional, professional and interpersonal aspects to both genders, the remaining proportion of patients demonstrates a significant shift towards favoring female doctors.

Gender of Provider-Barrier to Immigrant Women's Obstetrical Care: A Narrative Review

OBJECTIVE

To explore the preference for female obstetrician/gynaecologists among immigrant women, and providers' understandings of these preferences, to identify challenges and potential solutions.

METHODS

Five databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Global Health, and Scopus) were searched using combinations of search terms related to immigrant, refugee, or Muslim women and obstetrics or gynaecological provider gender preference.

STUDY SELECTION

Peer reviewed, English-language articles were included if they discussed either patient or provider perspectives of women's preference for female obstetrics or gynaecological care provider among immigrant women in Western and non-western settings. After screening, 54 met inclusion criteria and were reviewed.

DATA EXTRACTION

Studies were divided first into those specifically focusing on gender of provider, and those in which it was one variable addressed. Each category was then divided into those describing immigrant women, and those conducted in a non-Western settings. The research question, study population, methods, results, and reasons given for preferences in each article were then examined and recorded.

CONCLUSION

Preference for female obstetricians/gynaecologists was demonstrated. Although many will accept a male provider, psychological stress, delays, or avoidance in seeking care may result. Providers' views were captured in only eight articles, with conflicting perspectives on responding to preferences and the health system impact.

Do women with pelvic floor disorders prefer to be treated by female urogynecologists?

The researchers' aim was to assess provider gender preference among women attending the urogynecology clinic. Two hundred women with pelvic floor disorders completed a detailed questionnaire regarding possible gender preferences in choosing their urogynecologist. One-third of women preferred a female doctor while two-thirds had no preference. We found that embarrassment during the pelvic examination was the main reason for same-gender preference. This preference was significantly associated with educational level and being religious. In conclusion, although one-third of female patients prefer female urogynecologists, professional skills are considered to be more important factors when it comes to actually make a choice.

Bedouin Women's Gender Preferences When Choosing Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Patients' preferences in choosing obstetricians/gynecologists are widely investigated, but studies among traditional populations are lacking. Bedouins comprise a traditional Arab Muslim society in the Arabian Peninsula (Saudi Arabia), The Levant (Syria, Jordan and Israel) and North Africa (Egypt). Most of the Bedouins in Israel populate several villages, mostly in the southern part of the country. This cross-sectional study compared 200 Bedouin and 200 Jewish women who responded to an anonymous questionnaire. Queried on gender alone, more Bedouin responders preferred female obstetricians/gynecologists (59.5 vs. 33% Jewish responders, p value <0.0001). Bedouin women preferred a female obstetrician/gynecologist for intimate procedures [feeling more comfortable (66.3%) and believing that females were more gentle (50%)]. However, they and the Jewish participants ranked ability, experience and knowledge as the top 3 qualities of an obstetrician/gynecologist, putting reputation in 4th place and gender in 5th place. Bedouin women strongly preferred female obstetricians/gynecologists, although professional skills were an important factor in their choice of caregiver. The ideal obstetrician/gynecologist for Bedouin women would be a skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced female.

Perception of sexual ramification among women toward male doctors in today's Indian society

The objective of the study was to assess the perception of women patients toward attitude of health professionals who have undergone physical examination.A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,257 women. A self-administered structured questionnaire comprising of 16 questions was designed to assess perception of patients toward attitude of health professionals.Mean perception scores of the study population were 19.79 ± 1.78. Women in the age group of 29-38 years had a greater perception (20.34 ± 1.54) that they had been a subject or could be a subject to sexual exploitation by a doctor. Graduate and above group participants had a greater perception (19.54 ± 1.86) when compared to primary and secondary education level (19.52 ± 1.85, 18.35 ± 1.5). Data were analyzed using ANOVA.Women had mixed perception of sexual gratification toward male doctors. It is necessary to educate the doctors regarding the respect, dignity, and values for female patients, which could reduce occupational defamation.

The ripple effect: why promoting female leadership in global health matters

Leadership positions in global health are greatly skewed toward men; the imbalance is more pronounced in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The under-representation of women in leadership is a threat to gender equality, and also impacts the improvement of women's health outcomes globally. In this perspectives piece, we assert that the promotion and retention of women in global health leadership has a ripple effect that can achieve improvement in global health outcomes. We present pragmatic, actionable solutions to promote and retain female global health leaders in this field.

Do women prefer a female breast surgeon?

Background

Patient preferences regarding the gender of their physicians is a highly sensitive issue, which can be particularly salient in intimate medical situations. Previously published studies found that women tend to prefer female physicians, especially in the case of obstetricians and gynecologists. Data regarding other intimate specialties, such as breast surgery, are scarce. The present study was undertaken to assess gender preferences of women regarding their choice of a breast surgeon.

Methods

Five hundred and fifteen consecutive women who attended breast clinics in two university-affiliated tertiary hospitals were prospectively enrolled. A 25-item anonymous questionnaire was completed by women independently and used to assess their preferences in selecting their breast surgeon. Of the 515 women, 500 (97 % response rate; mean age 50.6 ± 15.4 years) completed the anonymous questionnaire.

Results

Overall, 160 (32 %) women preferred to undergo breast examination by a female breast surgeon, 296 (59 %) had no preference, and only 44 (9 %) preferred a male surgeon. A same-gender preference was significantly and independently associated with younger age of the patients (Odds Ratio = 0.978, 95 % Confidence Interval 0.962–0.994, P = 0.007) and being married (Odds Ratio = 0.563, 95 % Confidence Interval 0.347–0.916, P = 0.021). However, only small and equal numbers of patients preferred to undergo breast surgery by a female (14 %) or a male (13 %) surgeon, and most patients (73 %) had no gender preferences. Furthermore, the three most important factors, which affected in general the actual selection, were surgical ability (93 %), experience (91.2 %) and knowledge (78.6 %), rather than physician gender per se.

Conclusions

Overall, about a third of women prefer a female breast surgeon for their breast examination. Embarrassment during the examination was the major reason for same-gender preference. In contrast, when it comes to breast operations, preference for a female surgeon is less pronounced, with the professional skills of the surgeons becoming the predominant consideration. The fact that almost a third of the potential patients prefer female surgeons with regard to their breast examinations emphasizes the need to increase the number of female surgeons. Such an increase can be achieved through academic and economic changes that will enable more women to specialize in general surgery.

Trial registration

Trial registration is not required for this type of research.

Do Urology Male Patients Prefer Same-Gender Urologist?

There are several studies on patients' preference for same-gender physicians, especially female preference for same-gender gynecologists. Data regarding the preferences of urology patients, of whom the majority are males, are scarce. The objective of this study is to assess provider gender preference among urology patients. One hundred and nineteen consecutive men (mean age 57.6 years) who attended a urology clinic in one university-affiliated medical center were prospectively enrolled. A self-accomplished 26-item anonymous questionnaire was used to assess patients' preferences in selecting their urologist. Of the 119 patients, 51 (42.8%) preferred a male urologist. Patients exhibited more same-gender preference for physical examination (38.3%), or urological surgery (35.3%), than for consultation (24.4%). Most patients (97%) preferred a same-gender urologist because they felt less embarrassed. Four patient characteristics were identified to be significantly associated with preference for a male urologist: religious status, country of origin, marital status, and a prior management by a male urologist. Of these, religious status was the most predictive parameter for choosing a male urologist. The three most important factors that affected actual selection, however, were professional skills (84.6%), clinical experience (72.4%), and medical knowledge (61%), rather than physician gender per se. Many male patients express gender bias regarding their preference for urologist. However, professional skills of the clinician are considered to be more important factors when it comes to actually making a choice.

Creating patient-centered health care systems to improve outcomes and reduce disparities

Health care delivery systems that are designed to understand and meet patient preferences for care have the potential to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities. Studies that rigorously assess patient care preferences in minority and underserved populations, stakeholder engagement, and policies that promote a diverse health care workforce that can address patient preferences are important levers for improving care for vulnerable populations.