Impact of Religiosity on Subjective Life Satisfaction and Perceived Academic Stress in Undergraduate Pharmacy Students

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of religiosity on subjective life satisfaction and perceived academic stress in undergraduate pharmacy students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This 1-month descriptive study focused on pharmacy students of a public-sector university and used three survey questionnaires. The questionnaires included: the Duke University Religion Index to assess religiosity, Subjective Happiness Scale for documenting subjective happiness of life, and Perceived Stress Scale for evaluation of perceived stress due to academic load. The data were analyzed through Statistical Package for Social Services software, version 22. Chi-square test, Pearson’s correlation, and logistic regression were used. Study was exempted from ethical review. RESULT: Subjective happiness was positively (+) correlated with non-organized religious activity and intrinsic religiosity (P < 0.01). Perceived stress score reported negative (–) correlation with organized religious activity (P < 0.05). Female students appeared more stressed (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Religiosity may enhance life satisfaction and may relieve academic stress in pharmacy students.