Investigation of the Perceptions, Attitudes, and Influences Towards Plastic Surgery Among Medical Students in Oman: A Questionnaire-Based Study

TL;DR

This study explores how medical students in Oman understand and perceive plastic surgery, finding moderate awareness but significant misconceptions.

Contribution

The paper presents the first investigation into perceptions of plastic surgery among medical students in Oman.

Findings

62.6% of students correctly identified cosmetic surgery as a subset of plastic surgery.

Only 8.4% of students considered plastic surgery as a future career.

The internet and Instagram were the primary sources of information about plastic surgery.

Abstract

Introduction

Plastic surgery encompasses cosmetic and reconstructive procedures to restore, enhance, or reconstruct body structures. Unlike other specialties, it is not confined to specific anatomical areas, organ systems, or age groups. Despite significant growth in the field, it remains poorly understood by healthcare professionals, medical students, and the public. Misconceptions about the scope and procedures of plastic surgery persist, potentially influencing career choices and referral patterns. This study explores the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of medical students at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), Muscat, Oman, regarding plastic surgery, marking, to the best of our knowledge, the first investigation of this topic in Oman.

Methods

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using a validated questionnaire to assess plastic surgery awareness among undergraduate medical students at SQU. The sample included 310 medical students, excluding foundation-level students. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 27 (Released 2020; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), and ethical approval was obtained from the Medical Research and Ethics Committee at SQU.

Results

The study revealed a high level of awareness among students, with 194 (62.6%) correctly identifying cosmetic surgery as a subset of plastic surgery. However, misconceptions persisted, with 65 (20.9%) labeling plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery as separate entities, 19 (6.1%) choosing plastic and cosmetic surgery as the same thing, and 32 (10.3%) uncertain. The internet was the primary information source for 217 (70.0%) participants, and Instagram for 182 (58.7%) participants. Only 26 (8.4%) participants selected plastic surgery as a future career choice, while 157 (50.6%) preferred other specialties. Age and academic level significantly influenced decision-making.

Conclusion

While SQU medical students demonstrated moderate awareness of plastic surgery, gaps in knowledge remain. Increased exposure through curricula and clinical rotations could enhance understanding and interest in this specialty, addressing misconceptions and improving patient care outcomes.

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