Impact of COVID-19 on the academic performance and mental health of HBCU pharmacy students

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the use of distance learning, which may hinder academic success. Moreover, students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been adversely affected by COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of online/hybrid learning on the academic performance and mental health of HBCU pharmacy students during COVID-19. Methods: A survey was developed to assess how COVID-19 affected the mental health and academic performance of pharmacy students who attend a HBCU. The survey collected demographic information and student responses using a Likert-type, multiple-choice, and select all that apply questions. Results: Most participants were women, African American, unemployed, and between the ages of 18 to 25. Most students did not experience a confirmed case of COVID-19 while enrolled. The majority of participants self-identified as visual learners, and most students somewhat or strongly agreed that online learning created a feeling of isolation from teachers and classmates. Furthermore, most students somewhat or strongly agreed that online learning during COVID-19 negatively affected their stress levels and mental health. Many students also disagreed that the faculty displayed empathy towards students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: Though most students felt isolated and changed their study habits during COVID-19, they were allowed to freely manage their time and did not find it more challenging to learn and retain information. Unfortunately, mental health and stress levels were negatively impacte,d and there was a significant number of students that felt there was a lack of empathy from faculty members.