Contraception and abortion attitudes among military medical students: An exploratory study

Contraception. 2024 Aug:136:110489. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2024.110489. Epub 2024 May 16.

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate military medical students' attitudes toward contraception and abortion after clerkships.

Study design: We adapted a survey of civilian medical student attitudes for military students. We asked how clerkships changed perspectives and comfort discussing these topics.

Results: Eighty-five (85%) of 100 respondents felt more comfortable discussing contraception and abortion after clerkships. More students changed perspectives on contraception than abortion (29% vs 17%, p = 0.043). Students noted limited exposure to abortion.

Conclusions: Clerkships increased comfort discussing contraception and abortion but were unlikely to change their attitudes.

Implications: More exposure to abortion care is needed.

Keywords: Abortion; Clerkship; Contraception; Education; Medical student.

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Induced* / psychology
  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Clinical Clerkship
  • Contraception* / methods
  • Contraception* / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Military Personnel* / psychology
  • Pregnancy
  • Students, Medical* / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult