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Comparative Study
. 2008 Dec 15;72(6):148.
doi: 10.5688/aj7206148.

A longitudinal comparison of pharmacy and medical students' attitudes toward the medically underserved

Sonia J Crandall  1 , Stephen W Davis, Amy E Broeseker, Carol Hildebrandt
Affiliations
Comparative Study

A longitudinal comparison of pharmacy and medical students' attitudes toward the medically underserved

Sonia J Crandall et al. Am J Pharm Educ. .

Abstract

Objective: To longitudinally assess pharmacy and medical students' attitudes toward the medically underserved.

Methods: The Medical Students' Attitudes Toward the Underserved (MSATU) survey was administered to the entering classes at the schools of pharmacy and medicine at 2 universities in the South. This self-report measure was then completed by these students in each year of the professional curriculum. Data were compared longitudinally to assess students' attitudes toward the underserved.

Results: Pharmacy students' attitude scores towards the underserved remained relatively stable over time (MSATU attitudes scores: Year 1 = 45.2, Year 2 = 48.3, Year 4 = 45.7), while medical students' attitude scores declined significantly (MSATU attitudes scores: Year 1 = 55.5, Year 2 = 52.4, Year 4 = 46.4). No differences in scores were associated with gender.

Conclusion: This initial study comparing pharmacy and medical students' attitudes toward the underserved can serve as a baseline as healthcare professionals seek for solutions to better care for the medically underserved.

Keywords: attitudes; medical students; pharmacy students; underserved.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Attitudes by year in school and student type: societal expectations
Figure 2
Figure 2
Attitudes by year in school and student type: professional responsibility
Figure 3
Figure 3
Attitudes by year in school and student type: basic services
Figure 4
Figure 4
Attitudes by year in school and student type: expensive procedures
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