Quality of education and mental health of pharmacy students in Poland

Background. Pharmacists in the healthcare system play an important role in providing safe, optimal pharmacotherapy and patient education. During their studies, in which they acquire the competencies to fulfill the pharmacist's future tasks, pharmacy students are exposed to significant stress and pressure. Objectives. This study aims to demonstrate the extent to which the unique demands and obstacles of Polish pharmacy schools contribute to the deterioration of students' mental health and overall wellbeing. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study of 420 pharmacy students in Poland evaluates the quality of education at Polish universities and presents the impact of studying on students' mental health. The criteria for choosing the field of study, the particular major, the university itself, the quality of education, the academic work, and their impact on students' wellbeing were evaluated. The evaluation of the quality of education was influenced by mentoring and tutoring at the university. Pearson's chi 2 test and principal component analysis (PCA) were used in the statistical analyses. Results. Unequal treatment of pharmacy students relative to students in other areas of medical study was marked by 90.2% of respondents, and opportunities for scientific development were indicated as good by 60.0% of pharmacy students. It was shown that 82.1% of the students rated studying as very stressful; the level of test difficulty and exams, as well as an inadequate level of knowledge imparted during classes contributed to this response. According to 75.2% of the respondents, the perceived stress had long-term effects in the form of anxiety and depression, with the need for pharmacotherapy. Conclusions. It was shown that studies contributed to the onset and/or exacerbation of depressive and anxiety symptoms. The results indicate the need to support psychological care and extend it to to pharmacy students.