Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF STRESS AMONG PHARMACY STUDENTS - A CROSS SECTIONAL SURVEY

Juny Sebastian*, Aiswarya Reji, Anjana Sebastian, Iybe V. C., Jinny Rose, Kavya Sree T. T. and Sudheesha Surendran

ABSTRACT

Background: Health care students, specifically pharmacy students are known to experience higher stress levels when compared to their agematched university peers. Aim: The study was conducted with an aim to assess the stress and stress relieving practices of students of a pharmacy college. Methodology: The prospective observational study was conducted at JSS College of Pharmacy, Mysuru during the accademic year 2016-17. Perceived stress scale (PSS), a self- report measure of stress was used among the pharmacy students to assess their stress. Results: Out of 405 students surveyed, the research scholars were reported to have lower stress levels where as the outgoing students of various curses experinecd high stress levels with a mean PSS score of 18.03. The statistically significant difference in the stress levels was not observed among the students of various courses. Discussion: Introduction of mentorship program thought to have an impact in the reduction of stress among the first years students of B. Pharm and Pharm D. Students selected their course by self are found to have a decresed stress level when compared to the students chose their course by others. All students are managing their stress by adopting various methods ranging from meditation to use of internet facilities. Conclusion: Stress is an individual perecepton, it is necesaary to understand the boundary of stress where it progress to the physical diasbilities and negative life events. Understanding and managing the stress is essential during the college days for the successful future of the young buds of the society.

Keywords: Stress, Pharmacy students, Perceived stress scale, PSS Score.