Evaluation of Student Factors Associated with Pre-NAPLEX Scores

Objective:  To examine relationships among students’ Pre-NAPLEX scores and prepharmacy, pharmacy school, and demographic variables to better understand factors that may contribute to Pre-NAPLEX performance.

Methods:  A retrospective review of pharmacy students’ Pre-NAPLEX scores, demographics, prepharmacy factors, and pharmacy school factors was performed. Bivariate (eg, ANOVA) and correlational analyses and stepwise linear regression were conducted to examine the significance of various factors and their relationship to Pre-NAPLEX score.

Results:  168 students were included, with the majority being female (60.7%) and White (72%). Mean Pre-NAPLEX score was 68.95 ± 14.5. Non-Hispanic White students had significantly higher Pre-NAPLEX scores compared to minority students ( p <0.001). Pre-NAPLEX score was correlated ( p <0.001) to race/ethnicity ( r =-0.341), PCAT score ( r =0.272), and pharmacy school GPA ( r =0.346). The regression model (adjusted R 2 =0.216;  p <0.001) included pharmacy school GPA, academic probation, academic remediation, and PCAT composite.

Conclusion:  This study highlighted that select demographic, prepharmacy, and pharmacy school factors were associated with Pre-NAPLEX outcomes. Such factors may assist colleges/schools of pharmacy in identifying students who may be at risk for poorer NAPLEX performance and may need greater preparation.