Clinical cultural competency and knowledge of health disparities among pharmacy students

Abstract

Objective. To evaluate the level of competency and knowledge about health disparities among thirdyear doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students at 2 Florida public colleges of pharmacy and to explore the demographic correlates of these variables. Methods. A cross-sectional survey study design was used to collect data from participants. Results. The students had low health-disparities knowledge and moderate skills in dealing with sociocultural issues and cross-cultural encounters. Speaking a language(s) other than English and having exposure to cultural-competency instruction were the demographic variables found to be most significantly associated with clinical cultural competency and/or knowledge of health disparities. Conclusions. Clinical cultural competency and health-disparities instruction may not be adequately incorporated into the pharmacy school curricula in the institutions studied. Relevant education and training are necessary to enhance cultural competency among pharmacy students. © 2011 American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education.