Prevalence and determinants of depression among pharmacy students enrolled in a newly implemented pharmd curriculum in Egypt: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Depression is a prevalent mental health concern among university students, particularly those in healthcare fields like pharmacy. The introduction of the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program in Egypt has brought new academic and professional pressures, making it critical to evaluate its impact on students' mental well-being.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 576 PharmD students in Egypt using an online survey. The survey collected demographic information and assessed depression levels using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Statistical analyses, including Mann-Whitney U tests and logistic regression, were used to identify predictors of depression.

RESULTS

The study found that 40.5% of participants exhibited borderline to moderate depression, while 24.7% displayed significant depressive symptoms. Key predictors of higher depression scores included socioeconomic status and type of university. Students attending public universities had significantly higher depression scores compared to those in private institutions (p = 0.033). Financial strain was strongly associated with higher depression levels, with students experiencing insufficient funds throughout the year showing the highest depression scores. Other demographic factors, such as sex, residence, and family involvement in healthcare, were not significantly associated with depression levels.

CONCLUSION

Depression is highly prevalent among PharmD students in Egypt, particularly those facing financial challenges or attending public universities. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions and financial support programs to alleviate the psychological burden on pharmacy students.