“MEASURING PROFESSIONALISM IN MEDICAL STUDENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYSIS USING A MULTIDIMENSIONAL SCALE”

Abstract

Professionalism is a core competency in medical education and a fundamental determinant of safe, ethical, and patient-centered healthcare delivery. Medical students are expected to develop professional values, behaviors, and attitudes early in their training; however, professionalism is a complex, multidimensional construct that is influenced by cultural, institutional, and individual factors. Systematic assessment of professionalism using validated multidimensional tools is essential to identify strengths, gaps, and areas requiring curricular reinforcement. Despite its importance, limited empirical data are available on the measured levels and domains of professionalism among medical students in many developing educational settings.

Objective: To assess the level of professionalism among undergraduate medical students using a multidimensional professionalism scale and to analyze variations across demographic and academic characteristics.

Methodology: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among undergraduate medical students enrolled in a medical college. Participants were selected using a consecutive sampling technique. Professionalism was assessed using a validated multidimensional professionalism scale encompassing domains such as altruism, accountability, excellence, duty, honor and integrity, and respect for others. Data were collected through a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize professionalism scores, while inferential analyses (independent t-test and ANOVA) were applied to determine associations between professionalism domains and variables such as gender, academic year, and prior exposure to professionalism training. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: A total of 300 medical students participated in the study, with a balanced representation across preclinical and clinical years. The overall professionalism score indicated a moderate to high level of professionalism among students. Highest mean scores were observed in the domains of respect for others and accountability, while comparatively lower scores were noted in altruism and excellence. Senior students demonstrated significantly higher professionalism scores than junior students (p < 0.05), suggesting a positive influence of clinical exposure. Female students showed marginally higher scores in empathy-related domains, though the difference was not statistically significant. Prior formal instruction on professionalism was positively associated with higher overall professionalism scores.

Conclusion: Medical students demonstrated generally satisfactory levels of professionalism; however, variability across domains highlights the need for targeted educational interventions. Incorporating structured professionalism curricula, reflective practices, and longitudinal assessment strategies may enhance professional development. Regular evaluation using multidimensional scales can support evidence-based improvements in medical education and foster the development of competent and professional future physicians.