Perceptions of the Hidden Curriculum and Professional Ethics Among Medical Interns: A Cross-Sectional Study at Shahroud University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Background: The hidden curriculum plays an important role in shaping professional identity, values, and ethical development among medical trainees. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationship between the hidden curriculum and professional ethics among medical interns at the Shahroud University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 92 internal medicine medical interns at Shahroud University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using a demographic information checklist, the Hidden Curriculum Questionnaire (HCQ), and the Professional Ethics Questionnaire (PEQ). Higher PEQ scores indicate greater professional ethics, whereas higher HCQ scores indicate greater alignment with the hidden curriculum. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18 with descriptive statistics and inferential analyses, including t tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and correlation analyses, as appropriate. Results: Among 92 interns, 59.8% were female, and 46.7% were aged 24 - 25 years. The mean HCQ score was 176.30 ± 27.25, with the highest domain scores in critical thinking, evaluation, faculty architecture, curriculum objectives, and socio-emotional atmosphere. The mean PEQ score was 75.56 ± 7.32, with the highest domain scores in teaching and research, collegial relationships, physician–community relations, financial relationships, and confidentiality. Gender was not significantly associated with HCQ or PEQ scores (P = 0.607 and P = 0.527, respectively), whereas age showed significant differences in both HCQ and PEQ scores (P = 0.001 for both). A negative but non-significant correlation was observed between HCQ and PEQ scores (r = -0.221, P = 0.68). Conclusions: Although the mean scores for both the hidden curriculum and professional ethics were above average, targeted educational planning and ongoing monitoring are essential to sustain these strengths and to further enhance professional ethical standards among medical interns.