Perceptions and experiences of undergraduate medical students toward the family adoption programme (FAP) in a Medical College of Western India: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Background: Family Adoption Programme (FAP), implemented under the Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) framework by the National Medical Commission, aims to provide longitudinal, community-based learning to undergraduate medical students. The program is designed to enhance understanding of community health, socio-economic determinants, communication skills, and social accountability. However, evidence regarding phase-wise student perceptions and experiences remains limited. Therefore, this study was undertaken to assess awareness, participation, perceptions, and experiences of undergraduate medical students regarding FAP and to examine the association between academic phase and key experiential outcomes. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among MBBS students of a medical college in Bhuj, Gujarat, India. A total of 559 students who had completed at least one FAP visit were included. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics were expressed as frequencies and percentages, and associations were tested using the Chi-square test, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Awareness of FAP was high across all academic phases, ranging from 97.26% to 100.00%, with no significant association between academic phase and awareness (Fisher–Freeman–Halton exact test, P = 0.195; Cramér’s V = 0.091). Health education (77.3%) and basic health assessment (73.7%) were the most commonly performed activities. Language barriers (13.4%) and time constraints (8.8%) were the major challenges. Conclusions: FAP is well accepted and educationally beneficial. While awareness and participation remain high, experiential learning outcomes vary across academic phases, indicating a need for strengthened phase-wise integration, standardized implementation, and enhanced faculty support.