Factors associated with depressive symptoms in pharmacy residents.

PURPOSE: Results of a study to determine factors that contribute to depressive symptoms among pharmacy residents are reported. METHODS: In a time series study conducted during the 2015-16 residency year, pharmacy residents nationwide were invited to participate in a series of online surveys administered at 3 time points. Information specific to the residency program and external factors was compared with residents' scores on the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire. Factors associated with depressive symptoms were determined using logistic regression controlling for history of depression and current use of medication for depression. RESULTS: The survey response rate in March 2016 was 21.2%. The strongest predictor of depressive symptoms was perceived stress level (odds ratio [OR], 2.45), while getting enough sleep was the strongest protective factor (OR, 0.39). In multivariate analysis, stress level (OR, 1.84) and not having family nearby (OR, 1.45) were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: High levels of stress, living with family or not having family within driving distance, a high number of hours worked, and a high number of days between having a full 24 hours off duty were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms, while high levels of family support, an outpatient and/or clinic residency setting, supportive directors and preceptors, effective teaching methods, well-structured and organized programs, clear expectations of residents, having enough days off, and adequate sleep were associated with decreased reporting of depressive symptoms among pharmacy residents in a national study.

Rates of depressive symptoms among pharmacy residents.

PURPOSE: Results of a survey-based study assessing rates of depression and depressive symptoms among pharmacy residents are reported. METHODS: In a time-series study conducted during the 2015-16 residency year, pharmacy residents nationwide were invited to participate in a series of online surveys (administered in September and December 2015 and March 2016). Survey participants reported demographic data and provided information on residency characteristics and perceived family and program support; the survey incorporated the 9-item depression screening component of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Descriptive statistics were used to estimate rates of depression and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: There were 633, 542, and 749 respondents to the September, December, and March surveys, respectively, for an overall response rate of 20.5%. The mean age of respondents was 26.9 years. Among respondents to the March survey, 39.9% (95% confidence interval, 36.2-43.2%) reported moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms. The rate of severe depressive symptoms (as measured by PHQ-9 scores) increased from 3.2% in the September survey to 7.8% in the March survey (p < 0.05); rates of self-reported low depressive symptoms decreased over the same time period (p < 0.05). By comparison, rates of depressive symptoms in medical residents have been reported to be in the range of 30%. CONCLUSION: A survey of pharmacy residents found that the rate of depressive symptoms, as measured by the PHQ-9, was higher than reported rates in the U.S. general population.