Document Type : Original Article

Authors

• SOUMAYA BENMAAMAR ^{1, 2, 3}
• IBTISSAM EL HARCH ^{1, 2, 3}
• CHARAFA MESBAHI ⁴
• KARIMA EL RHAZI ^{1, 2, 3}

¹ Laboratory of Epidemiology, Clinical research and Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco

² Laboratory of Epidemiology and Health Sciences Research, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco

³ Hassan II University Hospital of Fez, Fez, Morocco

⁴ Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco

Abstract

Introduction: Empathy is a key element in the doctor-patient relationship. Despite its recognized importance for both patient and physician. Several studies have reported a decline in empathy
during medical training. However, few studies have been carried out in this regard in the Arab world, particularly in Morocco. This study aimed to assess the level of empathy in Moroccan medical students and to identify the factors associated with its variation.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among medical students at various Moroccan medical faculties. Data were collected using a questionnaire that included socio-demographic
data on the students and their parents, clinical and academic data and satisfaction with the relationship with parents, and the validated version of the 10 items Perceived Stress Scale (PSS 10)
for stress assessment. Empathy was assessed using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy– student version (JSE-S) in its Arabic version validated in Morocco. Data were analyzed using descriptive
statistics, bivariate analysis and multivariable linear regression to determine the factors associated with empathy. The significance level was considered 0.05. All statistical analyses were performed
using SPSS Version 26.
Results: A total of 565 students were enrolled. The mean JSE-S score was 106.15±13.65, with a significant drop observed during the third cycle (the 6th and 7th year) (p=0.002). Female students
scored higher than males (p=0.003). Higher satisfaction with parental relationships was positively associated with empathy (p=0.02), while chronic disease was linked to lower scores (p=0.048).
Conclusion: Empathy in Moroccan medical students appears to decline during medical training, which may affect future physician–patient interactions. These findings underscore the importance of implementing educational interventions and curricula designed to foster empathy, ultimately improving communication, patient satisfaction, and quality of care in clinical practice.

Highlights

SOUMAYA BENMAAMAR

Keywords

• Empathy
• Medical students
• Medical education