Attitudes Towards Patients by Undergraduate Health Students

Introduction Empathy is often considered an important trait for professionals in the health field along with positive attitudes toward all medical conditions. The objective of this study was to determine the extent of empathy and attitudes towards specific medical conditions amongst undergraduate students in six health-related courses at one Australian university. Methods A convenience sample of undergraduate students enrolled in six health-related courses in first, second and third years at Monash University were surveyed. The Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy (Health Professional version) and the Medical Condition Regard Scale were completed by students along with a brief demographic questionnaire. Mean scores, t-tests, and ANOVA were used to analyse student attitudes. Ethics approval was granted. Results The study involved 549 students. Female students were significantly more empathic than male students (p=0.002). Older students were more empathic than younger students (p=0.039). No significant differences between year level of study, and professional course of study were found. Statistically significant differences were found between the health professional courses for each of the three medical conditions focused on in the study intellectual disability (p<0.002), substance abuse (p<0.033),) and acute mental illness (p<0.023). Conclusion This study suggests a strong presence of empathy amongst undergraduate allied health students who also have a strong regard for some medical conditions.