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 Objective: To analyze differences in general beliefs about medicines between healthcare students and to see if health education was of importance to general beliefs about medicines.

Method: The 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.

Results: The questionnaire was completed by 460 of 642 (71.7%) first-year and 293 of 398 (73.6%) thirdyear 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-yearmedical and pharmacy students saw medicines as more beneficial and less harmful than firstyear students did. Experience of medicine use was relevant to general beliefs about medicines.

Conclusion: Different 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 implications: It is important to educate future healthcare professionals about the potential effect  of beliefs on communication.