Muslim women choice for gender of obstetricians and gynecologist in Turkey

Objective: It would generally be thought of that the Muslim women especially preferred female obstetricians/gynecologists (ob/gyn). The aim of this study is to investigate the gender preference of Turkish Muslim women regarding ob/gyn, and identify other features that affect their choice.Methods: In this study it has been included 710 women attending to gynecology and antenatal clinics and they have been asked to complete a survey questionnaire containing 16 items and requiring opinion on whether they want to be examined medically by a female or male ob/gyn and have no preference. The questions have also contained the reasons for the stated preference.Results: Of all participants, 230 (32,3%) preferred to have a female ob/gyn, 380(53,5%) declared no preference, and 100(14,2%) preferred to have a male ob/gyn. The reasons for female preference were i) having a very good communication (36%), ii) embarrassment (32%) and iii) feeling comfortable with female ob/gyn (27%). Surprisingly, only 5% women responded that the religious orders are important in their preference. The participants who have larger family, lower level of education, lower income, higher unemployment, parity of 4 and over, and first gynecological examination, have preferred female ob/gyn (p<0,05). One hundred women who preferred to be examined by a male doctor stated that the reasons for their preference were i) surgical skills (45%), ii) even tempered (35%) and iii) understanding problems better (20%).Conclusions: The majority of women have expressed no preference about gender of their ob/gyn, but a significant proportion of the remainder would prefer to be examined by a female doctor when they have been given the choice. However the religious effects on female ob/gyn preference have been found much less than the cultural effects.