Educational Process of Interns in Obstetrics & Gynecology Department at Zahedan University of Medical Sciences in 2002

Introduction. Investigating educational situations of interns in different departments is one of the objectives of educational planning in order to prevent a low quality education and provide some solution for that. This study was done to investigate the learning situation of male and female interns in Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Zahedan University of Medical Sciences in order to compare the amount of their learning, and to provide some suggestions to improve the quality of learning and education. Methods. All inters (30 males and 40 females) in Zahedan Medical University have participated in this descriptive study during 2002. The data collection tool was a questionnaire which included questions regarding common emergencies and diseases of obstetrics and gynecology, and different learning criteria. The data analysis was done by SPSS software using mean, standard deviation, frequency of learning criteria and Chi-square. Results. The mean of frequency of learning indicators such as observation, discussion on bedside, managing under the supervision of residents and attending physicians, and personal management, in common emergencies and diseases of obstetrics and gynecology in male interns were lower than female interns. Furthermore, the mean of frequency of managing capabilities in common emergencies for male and female interns were 12% and 70.5%, respectively. These values for common diseases were 14.2% and 59.3%, in male and female interns, respectively. The Chi-square test showed a significant relationship between the learning criteria, and proper managing capabilities. Conclusion. Considering the low frequency of learning indicators such as observation, discussion on bedside, managing under supervision of attending physicians and residents, and personal managemen,t in male interns, and a need to their service in deprived areas, it is necessary to improve the learning quality in obstetrics and gynecology department, especially for male interns.