Perception of Undergraduate Medical Students on Family Adoption Programme in a tertiary care hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The Family Adoption programme (FAP), introduced by the National Medical Commission under the Competency-Based Medical Education Curriculum, aims to provide undergraduate medical Students with community-based Learning experiences. Aim of the study to assess undergraduate medical students' perceptions and experiences regarding FAP compare selected FAP outcomes across MBBS batches. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 253 MBBS students. Quantitative data were summarized as frequencies and percentages. while qualitative responses were analyzed thematically. Multivariable binary logistic regression was performed to identify factors independently associated with students perceived ability to bring positive changes in adopted families, and adjusted Odds ratios (AORs) With 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results: Of the 253 participants, 99.2% were aware of FAP, 91.7% participated in programme-related activities, 98.0% provided health education to adopted families, and 92.5% perceived that families benefited from the programme. In multivariable analysis, compared with the 2021 batch, students from the 2022 batch had significantly lower adjusted odds of reporting this favourable outcome (AOR=1.10; 95% CI: 0.01-076; p=0.026), Higher perceived importance of FAP for medical students was independently associated with greater odds of reporting a favourable outcome (AOR=I.88; 95% Cl: 1.32-2.69; p<0.001). Qualitative feedback highlighted the need for improved orientation, increased faculty supervision, better logistical support, and more frequent family interactions. Conclusion: FAP was well accepted by undergraduate medical students, with high Levels of awareness, participation, and perceived benefit. Students' perceived ability to bring positive changes in adopted famlies was independently associated with MBBS batch and perceived importance of the programme.