Assessment of empathy levels among pharmacy students in Mongolia using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE-HPS): A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Empathy is an essential component of patient-centred healthcare and a key professional attribute for pharmacists. However, evidence regarding empathy among pharmacy students in Mongolia remains limited. This study aimed to assess empathy levels among pharmacy students and examine differences across demographic and educational characteristics.   Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 145 final-year students enrolled in the Pharmacist (5-year), Pharmacist (3+3), and Pharmacy Technician programmes at the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences. Empathy was assessed using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy–Health Professions Students version (JSE-HPS). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, and one-way ANOVA.     Results: The overall mean empathy score was 86.2 ± 11.9 (range: 63–123). No significant differences in overall empathy scores were observed according to gender (p = 0.235), age group (p = 0.131), marital status (p = 0.067), or programme type (p = 0.632). However, empathy scores differed significantly according to place of residence (p = 0.045).      Conclusion: This study provides the first evidence on empathy among pharmacy students in Mongolia using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy–Health Professions Students version (JSE-HPS). The findings support the integration of educational strategies to strengthen empathy-focused and patient-centred pharmaceutical care. Further multi-institutional and longitudinal studies are recommended.