Preference of a Particular Gender of Health Care Provider; AttitudeoOf Patients of Tertiary Health Care Facilities of Rawalpindi

Abstract

Objective: To measure the preference of patients of tertiary health care towards gender for
selection of doctor.
Methods: Patients of both genders visiting outpatient department of Medicine and Surgery were
included in the study. Questionnaire included demographic details of patient and statements
related to choice of gender of doctor. Results were analyzed using SPSS version 22.
Results: Out of 264 patients 135(51.1%) were male and 129 (48.9%) were females. Most of
patients (69.7%) were not given choice of selection of doctors. Of those who were given choice
47.3% opted for female doctors and 39.8% opted for male doctors while 12.9% had no choice.
Conclusions: Patients had almost equal preference for both genders. Female doctors are
slightly preferred over male doctors. Feeling of comfort, caring attitude, intelligence and
competence were main reasons observed for gender preferences.