AsianScientist (Mar. 13, 2024) – A recent study analyzing postgraduate psychiatry question papers from major institutions in India has revealed a lack of coverage of LGBTQ+ topics. The study, published in the Asian Journal of Psychiatry, found that even after the decriminalization of homosexuality in India in 2018, there was no significant increase in LGBTQ+ related questions. This highlights the need for a more LGBTQ+ informed approach in psychiatry residency training programs in India to better equip mental health providers to deliver inclusive care.
The study was led by Dr. Jithin T Joseph from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, along with co-authors Dr. AM Miller from National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, and Dr. Sreya Mariyam Salim from Government Medical College, Manjeri.
Analysis of questions from the National Board of Examinations (NBE), National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), and Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS) over a 10-year period revealed that only 0.46 percent of the questions were related to LGBTQ+ topics. The study also noted the use of outdated terminology in some questions related to gender incongruence.
The researchers emphasized the importance of incorporating LGBTQIA+ informed practices in psychiatry residency training programs to address the mental health needs of the LGBTQIA+ community. They highlighted the lack of queer affirmative training in the undergraduate medical curriculum and the need for updates in postgraduate psychiatry training.
While efforts have been made to remove queerphobic information from medical textbooks, the implementation of LGBTQIA+ informed training in psychiatry programs remains limited. The researchers suggested the inclusion of modules that provide LGBTQIA+-informed training in postgraduate programs to enhance the competence of mental health professionals in serving LGBTQIA+ clients.
Further research is needed to explore optimal clinical and academic practices related to LGBTQIA+ topics in psychiatry training programs in India.
Source: Kasturba Medical College, Manipal; Image: Yipei Lieu/ Asian Scientist Magazine
The article can be found at: How LGBTQ+ informed is Indian psychiatric training? An analysis of postgraduate exam questions across three universities
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.
