Gender Preference in Gynecology and Obstetrics (GPGO) Scale

Abstract

Background: Patients' preferences towards their physicians constitute a crucial part of providing patient-centered care. Gender preference of patients towards gynecologists/obstetricians is controversial. Objective: Authors aimed to develop and validate a scale that specifically assesses gender preferences of patients towards physicians in the obstetrics and gynecology field. Materials and Methods: Epidemiological cross-sectional study in Lebanon conducted on 1192 participants. Questionnaire used consist of two parts: the first part sociodemographic questions and obstetrics and gynecology specialists overview and the second part was divided into males' and females' perceptions towards gynecologists. The new developed GPGO scale, consisting of 13 items, was only intended for females. Statistical analysis was performed to test the internal reliability, convergent validity, and construct validity. Overall, there were 1192 responses, 890 females and 302 males. In this study, we only included females’ responses. Results: Tests of assumptions of sample adequacy showed communalities higher than 0.3. Factor analysis of the 13 items in the GPGO scale revealed two main components. Items adequately loaded into its component. The scale’s Cronbach alpha, indicating internal reliability, revealed good reliability (0.861). Component 1 had acceptable internal reliability (Cronbach alpha= 0.745). Component 2 had high internal reliability (Cronbach alpha= 0.846). Pearson correlation coefficients were 0.877 (p<0.0001) and 0.898 (p<0.0001), respectively. Therefore, the scale shows adequate convergent validity. Conclusion: The resulting GPGO scale, that assesses the preference of patients towards gynecologists and obstetricians, is validated for use in females aged 18 years old and higher. The scale can be used in future studies for comparison or prospective follow-up.