Assessment of mental health needs and barriers to care in students enrolled in doctor of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences programs

Abstract

IntroductionThe purpose of this study is to identify doctor of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences students' perceived barriers to mental health care and interest in mental health interventions and to assess student attitudes and perceptions of mental illness. MethodsA mixed-methods survey was given to 706 students participating in a doctor of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences curricula to assess students' perceived barriers to care, interest in mental health resources and interventions within their curricula, attitudes towards seeking treatment, and perceived stigma. The last section included free text responses in which students expressed additional comments unacknowledged by previous sections. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, and free text responses were analyzed using thematic coding. ResultsFrom February to March 2018, 256 responses were received out of 706 students with a response rate of 36%. The most cited barriers to seeking mental health treatment were lack of time, lack of finances, and stigma-related concerns (25%, 13%, and 11%, respectively) with the most desired interventions being the implementation of an onsite counselor and wellness space. A majority of participants (88%) believe professional help for mental illness is effective; however, 63% cited they were negatively impacted by internal stigma. Common themes addressed in the free text responses reinforced these ideas and included additional responses regarding the impact of school culture. ConclusionStudents within a doctor of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences program experience non-stigma and stigma-related barriers to seeking mental health treatment.