Predictors of stress in doctor of pharmacy students: Results from a nationwide survey

Pharmacy programs and pharmacy educators would do well to monitor stress among their students to better understand the stress levels experienced by current students of pharmacy in the context of their program, grade point average (GPA), and demographic information.

Abstract

Objective To better understand the stress levels experienced by current students of pharmacy in the context of their program, grade point average (GPA), and demographic information (e.g., ethnicity, gender, year, and program type). Methods Current pharmacy students completed an online survey that included the Perceived Stress Scale and demographic information. The results were analyzed for relationships among the variables and compared to previous assessments of stress in pharmacy students. Results Women reported higher stress than did men. Asian students reported higher stress than did Caucasian students. Year in program (but not age) and GPA correlated negatively with stress levels. Direct entry students reported significantly higher stress than traditional or post-graduate programs students did. Conclusion Pharmacy programs and pharmacy educators would do well to monitor stress among their students. Further study is needed to be able to design interventions that are sensitive to the needs of students with different backgrounds and stages of career development. Interventions and assistance in the first two professional years of pharmacy school may be particularly effective.