Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Suicidal Ideation Among Pharmacy Students
An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15473058 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Titawadee Pradubkham (0009-0006-1698-6187, Mahasarakham University), Julalak Klangpraphan (Mahasarakham University), Patcharaporn Tangtrakuladul (Mahasarakham University), Chatmanee Taengthonglang (0000-0001-6354-7378, Surin Hospital), Kritsanee Saramunee (0000-0001-7808-1187, Mahasarakham University), Wiraphol Phimarn (0000-0002-9255-1074, Mahasarakham University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 23 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 155-155 |
| Publication date | 2026-01-26 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601 |
| Publisher | Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3390/ijerph23020155 |
| PMID | 41752238 |
| OpenAlex | W7125692413 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 93 |
Mental health conditions have become an increasing concern among university students, particularly those pursuing health science disciplines such as pharmacy. Rigorous academic demands, high workloads, and sustained psychological pressure place pharmacy students at a high risk of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, stress, and suicidal ideation. This study aimed to systematically review and quantitatively synthesize existing evidence on the prevalence of mental health conditions among pharmacy students in Thailand and globally using a meta-analytic approach. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across the major academic databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and ThaiJo, using predefined search terms and stringent inclusion criteria to ensure methodological rigor and relevance. Data from eligible studies were extracted and analyzed using STATA software to ensure statistical precision and reliability of the pooled estimates. A total of 51 studies, comprising 17,717 pharmacy students across 16 countries, including the United States, Thailand, Brazil, Malaysia, Syria, Pakistan, Poland, France, Portugal, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Lebanon, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam, were included. The meta-analysis revealed pooled prevalence rates of 44.26% for depression (95% CI: 36.08-52.61), 52.01% for anxiety (95% CI: 42.86-61.09), 48.10% for stress (95% CI: 32.96-63.43), and 24.52% for suicidal ideation (95% CI: 14.10-36.70). These findings reflect a substantial mental health burden among pharmacy students, necessitating immediate and context-specific interventions. Considering these findings, academic institutions must develop and implement comprehensive mental health support strategies. Such initiatives should include early identification and screening programs, access to psychological counseling services, resilience-building interventions, and stress management workshops to effectively address the psychological needs of pharmacy students and enhance their academic and personal well-being
Anxiety · Depression (economics · Inclusion (mineral · MEDLINE · Mental health · Occupational safety and health · Suicidal ideation · Healthcare professionals’ stress and burnout · Medical Education and Admissions · Mental Health Treatment and Access · Pharmacy
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| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |