Reddit as a Window into NAPLEX Preparation: A Thematic and Network Analysis

To characterize Reddit discussions related to North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) preparation using thematic and network analysis.

Reddit posts to threads containing the keyword "NAPLEX" were collected using NodeXL Pro between July 18 and August 4, 2025. A user-to-user interaction network was constructed (n = 593 users; 2141 connections). Standard social network analysis (SNA) measures characterized network structure, whereas qualitative content analysis of the exported text dataset identified thematic patterns. A keyword cooccurrence analysis was conducted to map associations of frequently used terms.

The Reddit network demonstrated low clustering (0.05) and density (D = 0.004), indicating fragmented interactions and a sparse, loosely connected, decentralized structure with limited local cohesion. Community detection revealed 25 subgroups centered on topics such as test-taking strategies, examination content areas, and stress coping. Thematic analysis of posts identified 5 primary themes: 1) examination preparation strategies, 2) emotional responses and anxiety, 3) resource and material use, 4) peer support and shared experiences, and 5) critiques of the examination. Keyword cooccurrence mapping confirmed that study practices, time management, emotional stress, and resource use were highly interconnected.

Thematic and network analysis of Reddit discussions identified interconnected cognitive, emotional, and resource-related aspects of NAPLEX preparation. These observations offer insight to pharmacy programs that may consider the timing and nature of graduate support provided in the postgraduation licensure preparation period.