The Relationship Between eHealth Literacy, Physical Activity, Sleep Patterns and Depression Among Pharmacy Students - A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Mental health problems among university students, particularly those enrolled in demanding disciplines such as pharmacy, represent a growing public health concern. Lifestyle behaviours and digital health competencies may play an important role in shaping psychological outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among eHealth literacy, depression, physical activity, and sleep quality among pharmacy students. A cross sectional study was carried out on 610 students of Pharmacy. Standardized instruments were used, including the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Mini Sleep Questionnaire (MSQ), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The mean eHEALS, PHQ-9, and MSQ scores were 27.29 ± 6.30, 9.72 ± 6.47, and 29.53 ± 12.35, respectively. Multivariable regression analyses showed that the scores for the MSQ were significantly positively associated with the scores for the PHQ-9 (B = 0.276, p < 0.001). Overall, more sleep disturbance (measured by MSQ scores) and reduced eHealth literacy were significantly and negatively correlated with increased symptoms of depression among the pharmacy students. The results underscore the importance of multi-component interventions that address the behavioral and cognitive dimensions.