Pharmacy students' anxiety towards research during their undergraduate degree; How to reduce it?

Abstract

ObjectiveTo measure pharmacy students' anxiety towards research and how academic support, academic effort, attitude and self-efficacy influence their research anxiety.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with undergraduate final year students of pharmacy using a convenient sampling method. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used.ResultsResponse rate for this study was 85.9% (128 students from a population of 149). The participants agreed that they read literature to understand research, but did not attend research-related coursework. Most participants (91.4%) felt that they were under stress while doing research. Almost all participants (97.6%) felt that they were doing very badly during their data analysis or they may fail their research projects. The majority of participants agreed that help from the lecturers' and friends in research give emotional support for their research activities.ConclusionAcademic support for pharmacy students, along with their additional academic effort will improve the students' self-efficacy and reduce research anxiety.

Examination Anxiety Unmasked: Predictors and Coping Strategies As Experienced By Junior High School Students in the Effutu Municipality of Ghana

“…These included good study habits and skills, good teachers' support for students; motivation, reducing workloads, improving cocurricular activities, and ensuring enough sleep and rest time. The results of the study concur with previous studies (Maharajan, et al, 2017;Mashayekh & Hashemi, 2011;Marszal-Wiśniewska, et al, 2011) where similar strategies were identified. Hence, a holistic approach needs to be sought and implemented to support the students cope with examination anxiety.…”

“…Accordingly, it was inferred that motivation of students, reduction of subject load and good teacher support for students are crucial in reducing examination anxiety among students. This finding concurs with previous studies (Maharajan, et al, 2017;Mashayekh & Hashemi, 2011;Marszal-Wiśniewska, et al, 2011) but however disagrees with Arul (2014) who established no significant relationship between study habits and test anxiety of students.…”

“…Others include ensuring enough sleep and rest time, and ensuring student-centered education system. Likewise, Maharajan, et al, (2017) noted that academic support in the form of teacher support mechanisms is central in dealing with examination anxiety among students. Paramount to this study was that the choice of coping strategy is influenced by various factors, hence, individuals involved in the management of examination need to identify these factors and the extent to which the factors impact their anxiety levels.…”

Neuron Model of Interprofessional Education and Evidence-Based Practice

“…9 Studying different research methods will help students improve their interpretation and application of clinical trial design and outcomes. 10 If students immerse themselves in multiprofessional research during the health professions curriculum, they will be able to collaborate more effectively with other providers upon their entry into practice.…”

Factors influencing choice of career: A comparative study among medical, dental and pharmacy students in a private university in Malaysia

“…The expanded scope of pharmacy practice allows pharmacy graduates to start their professional lives in healthcare organisations in management, regulatory oversight, and pharmacy organisations, in addition to working in clinical and community practice (Taylor et al, 2015). Recent advancements in the field of pharmacy (Maharajan et al, 2017), the emergence of new treatments and evidence-based practice, make pharmacy an exciting and rewarding career; thus, pharmacy has become one of the most pursued professions in the healthcare field (Royal Pharmaceutical Society, 2018). Moreover, people frequently visit pharmacies and consult pharmacists for advice on health and wellbeing (Bates et al, 2016), with pharmacists being considered the most trusted professionals (Lynas, 2012).…”