Stress management techniques for students transitioning from remote to in-person learning

Abstract

Specific Aims: To describe the relationship between exposure to remote instruction and the use of stress management techniques and to describe the relationship between exposure to remote instruction and the type of stress management technique. Methods: Questionnaires were administered through REDCap® to student pharmacists from the class of 2024 and 2025 at the University of Arizona - R.Ken Coit College of Pharmacy between May and June 2023. This questionnaire featured ten questions regarding demographics, stress management techniques, and exposure to remote learning. A total of 51 survey responses were completed. Twenty-four participants were excluded from the study as they reported a major life event occurring 12 months prior to the questionnaire distribution. Results: Of the 27 participants included in the data analysis, 19 were female and 8 were male. A majority of the participants were from the class of 2024 (88%). Students with no prior exposure to remote instruction utilized stress management more than students with prior exposure (respectively 80% and 76.5%, p=0.83). The most common stress management technique in the no prior group was connecting with others (80%). In the prior group, physical exercise, sleep hygiene, and connecting with others were equally utilized (52.9%). Overall, both groups found the transition to online learning to be stressful, with participants answering at 94.1% (prior) and 90% (no prior). Conclusions: A majority of participants confirmed an added level of stress while transitioning from remote to in-person learning and utilized stress management techniques to help alleviate stress.