Examination of the relationship between health-related quality of life and academic performance among student pharmacists

Abstract

IntroductionA better understanding of quality of life among student pharmacists is important to enhance pharmacy education and academic performance. Study objectives were to assess associations between pre-pharmacy and demographic factors and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among first-year (P1) and second-year (P2) pharmacy students, and to examine the relationship between HRQoL and academic performance. MethodsA survey was administered in spring 2019 to P1 (n = 201) and P2 (n = 164) students that included the RAND 36-item Health Survey 1.0 (SF-36). Data were collected from student records: demographics, undergraduate degree, undergraduate science GPA, and 2018–19 academic year GPA. Mann-Whitney U tests, Spearman rho correlational analysis, and multiple linear regression were conducted. ResultsOf 365 students, 190 (52.1%) participated. P1s versus P2s had higher scores on the SF-36 Energy/Fatigue and Social Functioning subscales (p < .001). Female students compared to male students had lower scores on the SF-36 Role Limitations-Emotional and Energy/Fatigue subscales (p < .05). Non-Hispanic white students compared to minority students had lower scores on the Role Limitations-Emotional, Energy/Fatigue, Emotional Well-being, and General Health subscales (p < .05). 2018–19 academic year GPA was positively correlated (p < .05) with scores on the Role Limitations-Emotional, Energy/Fatigue, Emotional Well-being, Social Functioning, and Pain subscales. Undergraduate science GPA and SF-36 Role Limitations-Emotional subscale were the only significant independent variables in the final multiple regression model for 2018–19 academic year GPA. ConclusionIncreased HRQoL was associated with higher GPA among P1 and P2 student pharmacists. Strategies to bolster quality of life and improve wellness among pharmacy students should be implemented and evaluated.