Student pharmacists' social distancing toward people with mental illness

Findings from previous studies indicated patients with mental illness feel pharmacists do not provide appropriate care. In addition, many patients with mental illness report not having a strong relationship with their pharmacist. The objective of this study was to determine the level of social distance of student pharmacists toward patients with mental illness.

Student pharmacists completed an anonymous survey. Data were collected using the Bogardus Social Distance Scale (SDS). Level and correlates of social distancing were examined.

Incomplete surveys were excluded, resulting in 334 completed surveys. A total of 276 students (83%) had an SDS score ≥14, indicating social distancing. There was no statistical difference noted in social distancing between students and year of training (P = .482). The greatest social distancing was in relation to trusting someone with mental illness to "care for their child," where less than 1 in 5 students (17%) were willing to do this. Most students (88%) were willing to work or be neighbors with someone with mental illness, indicating less social distancing in these domains. Regression analysis indicated a significant change in sum score with knowing someone or having a first-degree relative with mental illness.

Results indicate social distancing is prominent among pharmacy students. Results may be used in the future to help identify solutions for improving social distancing and increasing pharmacy student interaction to patients with mental illness. Further training related to mental illness may assist with decreasing social distancing among pharmacy students.