Attention to diversity in the training of medical students at the Technical University of Manabí in Ecuador
Keywords:
Diversity, medical training, student perceptionsAbstract
The objective of this article was to evaluate the approach to diversity care in the training of medical students at the Technical University of Manabí, Ecuador. The research adopts a mixed approach, using quantitative and qualitative methods, to assess how diversity care is integrated into the training of medical students. One hundred and tenth-semester students were surveyed, and faculty members were interviewed to obtain a comprehensive perspective. Sixty percent of students positively perceive the inclusion of diversity, although 29% remain neutral, which highlights areas for improvement. Neutral and negative responses are more frequent regarding institutional support and extracurricular activities related to diversity. Spearman correlation analysis indicates that factors such as age, gender, and ethnicity do not significantly influence student perceptions. However, the perception of inclusive educational resources and adequate assessments is positively related to a favorable assessment of diversity training. Faculty members, for their part, recognize the importance of this approach, although there are discrepancies regarding its implementation. The University has shown progress in medical diversity, but neutral and negative perceptions persist. Therefore, it requires integrated institutional actions such as resources, teaching, and internships to consolidate it as a cross-cutting focus in training.
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