Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude Towards Medical Ethics among Medical Students

Abstract

Background: A sense of discontent with services of medical practitioners and growing reliance on alternative
medicine with increased public awareness, negative publicity leads to increased lawsuits against medical
professionals. Medical ethics training provides a basis for balancing one’s obligation to patient and practice,
as well as responsibility to those seeking medical care. Aims and Objectives: To assess medical students’
knowledge and attitude towards medical ethics. Material and Method: A cross-sectional questionnairebased study among 246 medical undergraduates was conducted. Data was analyzed for percentage, mean
and ‘t’ test. Results: Majority knew importance of medical ethics in medical profession and existence
of institutional ethics committee. 84.9% agreed that written informed consent should be mandatory.
Response was statistically significant regarding confidentiality (p=0.001883), utmost respect for human
life (p=0.00542) and respect for dignity and privacy of patient (p=0.001408). 80.4% disagreed that ethical
conduct is important only to avoid legal action. 82.5% agreed strongly to integrate medical ethics in medical
curriculum. Conclusion: Though students had adequate knowledge about medical ethics, reinforcement at
all levels of medical education is necessary.