Addressing Health Disparities and Cultural Competency in Reproductive Health Through Active Learning in the University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine

Introduction: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) individuals face health disparities linked to societal stigma, discrimination, and denial of their civil and human rights which impact reproductive health. Previous pregnancy, induced abortion, and hormonal contraceptive use are common among women who report sex with women, regardless of self-identification as lesbian. LGBTQ have higher risk of smoking, use illicit drugs or have alcohol related problems. Methods: A faculty development training addressed methods and skills for teaching cultural competence and eliminate health disparities. Faculty facilitated a small group active learning activity, including a vignette and a reflective self-evaluation, for medical students to provide better health care services to LGBTQ women in childbearing age. A pre-test and post-test were administered. Analysis was performed using Statistix8.0. Results: A total of 115 second year medical students were included in the educational activity. Subjects included 101 students (87%) on the pretest and 104 students (90%) on the post-test. Subjects showed an overall improvement in knowledge (89% correct answers pre-test, 100% post-test, (