Different development of general beliefs about medicines during undergraduate studies in medicine, nursing and pharmacy

ObjectiveTo analyze differences in general beliefs about medicines between healthcare students and to see if health education was of importance to general beliefs about medicines.MethodThe participants were students of medicine, pharmacy, pharmaceutical bioscience, dispensing pharmacy, nursing and economics (comparison group) at the University of Gothenburg. Data were collected twice in 2003 and 2005. A questionnaire was used comprising background questions and the general part of Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire.ResultsThe questionnaire was completed by 460 of 642 (71.7%) first-year and 293 of 398 (73.6%) third-year students. Over 70% were women and two-thirds were under 25 years of age. Medical and pharmacy students saw medicines as less harmful than nursing students did. Stage of education was also important: third-year medical and pharmacy students saw medicines as more beneficial and less harmful than first-year students did. Experience of medicine use was relevant to general beliefs about medicines.ConclusionDifferent beliefs exist between healthcare professions owing to different types and stages of education, which could result in different messages being given to the patient.Practice implicationsIt is important to educate future healthcare professionals about the potential effect of beliefs on communication.