Pharmacy students’ perceptions of individuals with mental illness: Exploring opinions on the right to vote

Background: This study explored whether negative perceptions held by pharmacy students regarding the voting rights of psychiatric inpatients with serious mental illness (SMI) could be influenced through a structured didactic intervention. It also examined students’ views on the political affiliations of psychiatric inpatients and their potential vulnerability to political influence or misinformation, as well as students’ voting intentions for the 2024 election. Methods: An observational study was conducted among third-year pharmacy students enrolled in a required ethics course at a public university in New York State. Anonymous surveys were administered before and after a 90-minute lecture on the ethics of mental health. Surveys measured opinions on voting rights for psychiatric inpatients and perceptions of their susceptibility to political pressure. Pre- and post-lecture responses were compared to evaluate changes in stigma-related views. Results: Support for voting rights among individuals with mental illness increased from 88% pre-lecture to 96% post-lecture. Support specifically for hospitalised psychiatric inpatients rose from 63% to 80%, with uncertainty reduced. However, concerns about voting competence and individuals hospitalised under legal mandate persisted. Conclusion: A targeted educational intervention can positively shift pharmacy students’ perceptions and reduce stigma towards individuals with SMI, particularly concerning their civil rights and political participation.