Exploring the relationship between stress and student leadership among student pharmacists

Previous studies show student pharmacists have a lower health-related quality of life than undergraduate students and are among the most stressed of the health profession students. The long-term effects of chronic stress on healthcare providers can lead to reduced productivity, increased turnover, and medical errors. The goal of this research was to gather information from students who participate in organizational leadership positions regarding their opinions of the benefits of the leadership positions and feelings about stress, burnout, and quality of life.

Student pharmacists holding leadership positions were asked to complete an electronic survey. Survey questions were based on behavioral assessment instruments. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze demographic data and yes/no question responses. The Spearman Rho test was used to look for associations when comparing variables.

Sixty-four students completed the survey. There was a significant association between both self-reported lower quality of sleep and reduced time dedicated to leisure activities with holding concurrent positions (p = 0.021, p = 0.028, respectively). No significant relationship was found between the number of leadership positions held concurrently, satisfaction gained from those positions, professional year in pharmacy school, employment during didactic years, or self-perceived test taking performance. Student pharmacists reported taking on leadership positions in student organizations for a variety of reasons, including desire to improve skills, make connections, improve the profession, and gain experience.

Pharmacy faculty mentors may be able to utilize the results of this study to encourage student leaders and better understand the challenges that come with organization leadership positions.