THE IMPACT OF THE DOCTORS GENDER ON THE DOCTOR-PATIENT-RELATIONSHIP IN A SAUDI OBSTETRIC AND GYNECOLOGY CLINIC

Objective: To identify female patients' preference of the doctor's sex and its effect on the doctor-patient communication during the consult ation and on compliance with appointments. Design: A cross-sectional s tudy using a self-administered Arabic questionnaire including question s on patient's preference and behaviour based on the doctor's gender. Participants: The participants were 521 patients attending the gynaeco logy clinics of two hospitals in Riyadh during 2 weeks in February 199 2. Main Outcome Measures: The proportion of patients (if seen by a mal e doctor) who would agree to be examined internally or externally and tell their complaints or comply with appointments. Results: A total of 54% and 39% respectively did not agree to have vaginal examination an d external general examination by a male doctor. Saudi women rejected the idea of examination by a man more than the non-Saudis and the diff erence was highly significant. When seen by a male doctor 72% of the S audi patients will describe only some or none of their complaints and 61% may not comply with appointments. If there is no female doctor in the clinic Saudi patients are more likely to go to private clinics or other hospitals. Conclusion: The impact of a male gynaecologist's gend er on the quality of care is significant; Saudi women are more disadva ntaged. Therefore we believe that female doctors should be available t o treat women, especially if they are Saudi or have conditions that re quire vaginal examination. Suggestions for recruiting female doctors t o treat women are discussed.