Predictors of Attitudes toward the Medically Underserved among Occupational and Physical Therapy Students

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to explore how empathic, demographic, and educational factors influence attitudes toward the medically underserved among occupational and physical therapy students. Methods. A cross-sectional online survey was administered that included demographic/education questions. Empathy was measured through the Interpersonal Reactivity Index and the outcome variable was measured with the Medical Student Attitudes Toward the Underserved (MSATU). Regression models were calculated to determine the variables most predictive of attitudes. Results. Race, income, clinical experience, and empathic concern jointly accounted for 35% of the variability in MSATU scores (F-[9,F- 128] = 8.759, p < .01). Year in program and clinical training were not statistically significant. Conclusions. Demographics play a role in students' attitudes toward the underserved, but so do modifiable factors such as empathic concern and clinical training. Further research is needed to identify the characteristics unique to OT/PT students and curricula that support positive attitudes.