Perceived Stress, Stressors, and Mental Distress Among Doctor of Pharmacy Students

Abstract

We conducted an online survey to assess stress levels, stressors, coping strategies, and mental distress among first year professional Doctor of Pharmacy students at St. Louis College of Pharmacy. We used the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS10) to measure perceived stress and the Health-related Quality of Life Scale (HRQOL-14) to assess physical and mental health. Self-reported stress levels among our respondents were elevated, significantly higher than among other populations as reported in previous studies, and exceeded the threshold benchmarked as being unhealthy. Mental health scores were negatively correlated with stress levels, exceeded the threshold for frequent mental distress, and were significantly higher than in comparison groups as reported in previous studies. Examinations were ranked the most stressful events and spending time with family ranked as the most effective stress reliever. Further specific investigation is needed to identify probable contributors to distress and to solicit recommendations to help students alleviate their stress and strengthen their mental health.

Self- perceived stress in relation to anxiety, depression and health-related quality of life among health professions students: A cross-sectional study from Bosnia and Herzegovina

“…Regarding the role of quality of life, its relatedness to perceived stress, trait anxiety, and self-assessment of general health was demonstrated in the current study ( Table 3 ). A portrait of stress levels and HRQoL has been provided in previous analyses, accentuating that higher vulnerability to stress in health professions students may be a predisposing risk factor for mental distress and poor physical heath ( 47 ). Our findings further support the necessity of providing predisposed students with programmes to alleviate their stress and boost their overall health ( 47 ).…”

Student Pharmacist Perspectives on Factors That Influence Wellbeing During Pharmacy School

“…A growing body of literature suggests that health care graduate students, including pharmacy, medical, and dental students, experience psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, or perceived stress, at significantly higher rates than their age-matched peers. [1][2][3] Burnout, a workplace syndrome characterized by exhaustion, reduced empathy, and diminished sense of accomplishment, may develop concurrently with anxiety and depression. 4 Burnout in students is associated with increased anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, substance use, thoughts of dropping out of school, and poorer school performance.…”

Flourishing: positive emotion regulation strategies of pharmacy students

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