Extracurricular Activities and Mental Health: Insights From Pharmacy Students in Saudi Arabia

INTRODUCTION: Mental health disorders are widely recognised as significant challenges for university students globally. Participation in extracurricular activities has been associated with reduced psychological stress and improved overall well-being among university students. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate whether participation in extracurricular activities has a measurable impact on depression, anxiety, and stress among pharmacy students at King Khalid University. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 220 pharmacy students. Data encompassed demographics, DASS-21 scores, prior mental health diagnoses, and detailed participation in extracurricular activities (type, frequency, hours per week). Analytical methods included t-tests, ANOVA, regression modelling. RESULTS: Clinically significant symptoms were common: 38% depression, 52% anxiety, 35% stress. While 79% reported extracurricular involvement (primarily volunteering, social, cultural, and sports activities), no statistically significant difference in DASS-21 scores between participants and non-participants (p > 0.05 for all subscales). Even the type and frequency of activities failed to confer a meaningful protective effect. Female gender and prior mental health diagnoses emerged as the strongest, independent predictors of higher psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS: Involvement in the extracurricular activities, as currently structured, does not significantly impact depression, anxiety, or stress scores among pharmacy students at King Khalid University. Despite widespread participation, high psychological distress persists, especially among female students and those with prior diagnoses. These findings suggest the need for targeted, quality-focused mental health interventions beyond simply encouraging extracurricular activity.