Psychosocial risk factors influencing undergraduate pharmacy and medical students at the University of Malta

Abstract

This study investigates the incidence of a number of psychosocial factors on the undergraduate students of pharmacy and medical students (N= 60) at the University of Malta. The variables that were addressed include addictions such as alcohol, smoking, soft and heavy drugs, family status, sexual activity and stress caused by course pressures, aspects of student life and examinations. The aim of this study is purely exploratory and serves to throw light on the incidence of such factors with the aim of carrying out in depth research aimed at outlining experiences, causes and support mechanisms as a follow up to this study. Findings indicate that more effort needs to be done to monitor student needs as there salient percentage scores primarily in the use of soft drugs as well as suicidal ideation and intention to quit course.