Measuring the Empathy of Medical Students in Ahvaz Jundishapuz University of Medical Sciences and Its Relationship With Their Age, Sex, and Religiosity

Abstract

Background and Objectives Empathy plays a social role in interpersonal relationships, including interactions between doctors and patients. This study aims to investigate the level of empathy in students Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences (AJUMS) and its relationship with age, sex, and religiosity. Subjects and Methods In this cross-sectional descriptive study, participants were 361 AJUMS students, who were selected using a convenience sampling method in 2020. Jefferson scale of empathy and Glock & Stark religiosity scale were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test, Pearson correlation test, and linear regression. Results The mean total empathy score of students was 106.42±14.82, and their mean total religiosity score was 57.04±14.19. A statistically significant relationship was observed only between empathy and the emotions dimension of religiosity (r=0.125, P=0.018). No significant relationship was observed between empathy and the total score of religiosity and its other dimensions. The mean empathy score in female students was significantly higher than in male students (109.15 vs. 103.02, P˂0.001). Regression analysis results showed that the emotions dimension of religiosity, age, and sex were able to predict the level of empathy in students. Conclusion The empathy in AJUMS students is at a relatively favorable level, and has a positive significant correlation with the emotions dimension of religiosity in them. It is recommended to develop plans to strengthen the empathy of medical students and include an educational course in their curriculum so that they be able to improve the mental and spiritual health of patients.