Study highlights burnout and stress among health profession students

A recent study has found that mental health disorders are on the rise among health profession students, with those from underrepresented backgrounds facing additional challenges. The research, conducted between February and June 2020, surveyed graduate students in dentistry, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, and physical therapy programs. Associate Professor Bernadette Williams-York, PT, DSc, is the lead author on this study, along with colleagues at the Center for Health Workforce Studies.

The study aimed to understand the levels of burnout, exhaustion, discrimination, and stress among these students. It also looked at differences based on demographic characteristics, such as being a first-generation college student (FGCS) or belonging to an underrepresented minority (URM) group.

The survey, which included 611 students, found that FGCS were significantly more likely to report exhaustion, family stress, and financial stress compared to their peers. Specifically, FGCS were 50% more likely to experience exhaustion, three times more likely to experience family stress, and 74% more likely to experience financial stress.

URM students reported feeling unsupported in their programs and expressed a need for additional support from staff and faculty, particularly regarding their well-being.

The findings align with existing research indicating that FGCS and URM students experience additional stressors that can lead to burnout and exhaustion. The study underscores the need for health professional schools to implement or enhance policies and strategies that support these students.

Research shows that a diverse student body and faculty improve the educational experience and learning outcomes for health professional students. However, this study reveals that students from underrepresented backgrounds still face higher levels of burnout, exhaustion, discrimination, and stress. Supporting URM students and FGCS throughout their academic careers can improve graduation and retention rates, ultimately leading to a more diverse and well-prepared workforce.

The full study is published in Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal.