Evaluation of the Learning Environment at College of Medicine Jouf University, Students? Perceptions

Abstract Background: Healthcare disparity refers to the unequal burden of diseases, disability, injury, or mortality that certain groups experience compared to others. Healthcare providers must stay informed about the segments of society affected by specific health disparities. This study aimed to evaluate cultural competence attitudes to mitigate Healthcare Disparities among healthcare workers in the Aljouf region, KSA; we strive to enhance medical education. Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with 307 healthcare workers from various categories and sectors. A bilingual, standardised, and validated tool was used to evaluate three domains of healthcare disparity: Domain I - Cultural Competence Rationale, Context, and Definition; Domain II - Key Aspects of Cultural Competence; and Domain III - Impact of Stereotyping on Medical Decision-Making. Appropriate statistical tests, including the Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman’s rank correlation, were employed to examine relationships between domains and participants' sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Less than 50% agreement was noted in most items across the three domains. The lack of attendance at social justice courses significantly correlated with Domain II (p = 0.004) and Domain III (p = 0.001). Positive correlations were observed between the domains: Domain I and Domain II (rho = 0.642, p < 0.001), Domain I and Domain III (rho = 0.674, p < 0.001), and Domain II and Domain III (rho = 0.823, p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study assessed northern Saudi healthcar