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. 2009 Dec 17;73(8):147.
doi: 10.5688/aj7308147.

Students' health-related quality of life across the preclinical pharmacy curriculum

Jan D Hirsch  1 , Ai Hang Do, Kathryn A Hollenbach, Anthony S Manoguerra, David S Adler
Affiliations

Students' health-related quality of life across the preclinical pharmacy curriculum

Jan D Hirsch et al. Am J Pharm Educ. .

Abstract

Objectives: To examine health related quality of life (HRQOL), perceived stress, and coping skills in the 3 preclinical years of a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum.

Methods: Health-related quality of life, perceived stress, and coping strategies were measured using the Short Form-36, Perceived Stress Scale, and Brief COPE. Average annual scores were compared across curriculum years.

Results: Two hundred thirteen students enrolled in the study. Entering students had physical and mental HRQOL scores that were similar to age-adjusted US norms. Mental HRQOL scores were significantly lower and stress significantly higher during the second year of the PharmD curriculum compared to the first year (p < 0.05). Lower mental HRQOL scores were associated with increased stress and use of maladaptive coping skills in all years of the curriculum.

Conclusion: Increased stress and reduced mental HRQOL were observed across the first 3 years of a PharmD curriculum. Methods to reduce stress and/or use of maladaptive coping skills are needed to improve students' HRQOL throughout the pharmacy curriculum.

Keywords: Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL); coping strategies; stress.

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