Comparing the barriers to care and mental health needs of doctor of pharmacy students to other graduate health professions.

INTRODUCTION: Mental illness is prominent throughout higher education and even more so amongst healthcare professionals and those of Hispanic descent. The purpose of this study was to assess the state of mental health amongst a Doctor of Pharmacy cohort with a large Hispanic representation and compare their specific barriers to care and mental health care needs to other graduate health professions. METHODS: This prospective, university-wide, survey of graduate health profession students investigated barriers to mental health resource utilization as well as key social determinants of mental health between Doctor of Pharmacy Students and other graduate health professions. Graduate schools of nursing, optometry, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, and physical therapy participated. An online survey collected information regarding mental health resource utilization, psychiatric history, and perceived mental health care needs while enrolled in a health profession program. RESULTS: A total of 161 health profession students responded (75 from pharmacy and 86 from other graduate health professions) with 40% citing Hispanic ethnicity. The most cited barriers to seeking mental health treatment were lack of time and anxiety/nervousness surrounding treatment. Pharmacy students were less likely to seek treatment (21% vs. 47%) and adhere to their psychotropic medications (41% vs 56%). CONCLUSIONS: Mental health resources were underutilized by pharmacy students compared to other graduate health professions programs. This study serves as a framework for other universities to assess the state of mental health on their campus and use the results to tailor mental health resources to the specific needs of each program and the ethnic groups involved.