Perceptions and challenges of the family adoption programme among medical students of a medical college in central India: a cross-sectional study

Background: The family adoption programme (FAP) was introduced by the National Medical Commission (NMC) under the competency-based medical education (CBME) curriculum to provide undergraduate medical students with community-based experiential learning and to foster social accountability. This study assessed the perceptions of medical students of a medical college in central India regarding the family adoption programme and the challenges faced during its implementation. Methods: First-, second- and third-year MBBS students who had participated in the family adoption programme at a medical college in central India, over four months (July-October 2025), using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire administered through Google forms, comprising demographic characteristics and 18 items rated on a 3-point Likert scale (agree/disagree/neutral) covering perceptions of, and challenges within, the programme. Results: 105 (52.5%) were male and 95 (47.5%) were female; maximum students 102 (51.0%) were in their second year of study. Most students reported that their mentor guided them properly during visits (91.0%), that they had obtained consent before collecting information from the family (94.5%), and that they understood the purpose and objectives of the programme (88.5%). Only 17 students (8.5%) reported facing language barriers. Conclusions: The majority of medical students had a positive perception of the family adoption programme, reporting improvements in communication skills, understanding of community health, and motivation toward community-based practice. Strengthening faculty support and student preparedness could further improve the programme’s implementation.