Assessment of stress and its associated factors among undergraduate students of a dental College, Islamabad

Abstract

Background: Dental practice and education are associated with stress that usually affects the wellbeing of the students. It is crucial to manage stress effectively since it can lead to psychological morbidity and health-damaging behaviours. The purpose of this research was to determine the frequency of stress along with its contributing factors and coping strategies among undergraduate dental students of HBS Medical and Dental College, Islamabad.

Objective: To determine the frequency of stress along with its contributing factors and coping strategies among the undergraduate dental students of HBS Medical and Dental College, Islamabad.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: HBS Medical and Dental College, Islamabad. 03 months (November 2022-Feb 2023). Materials and Methods: This study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire that was shared with students via link for online submission. PSS-10 (Cohen’s Perceived stress scale) was used to assess the level of stress. SPSS 21 was used for data analysis.

Results: There were 26.1% males and 73.8% females in this study. Total 86% dental students reported with moderate level stress while 9% with high level stress. The main causes of the stress among dental students were frequent exams/ tests (85.4%), insomnia, (65.7%) studies pressure (56%) and home environment (49.1%). Sleeping (49%) and spiritual practices (34%) were the most prevalent coping strategies to reduce stress among students.

Conclusion: Dentistry is taken as a stressful profession among health careers. Though stress cannot be eradicated among students, but it can be managed through suitable measures. The results of this research will help the clinical and non-clinical staff and administration to make changes in the academic schedule and build a learning environment that would be more constructive for the students. Dental schools should create stress management programs, as well as measures to increase psychological support services that would either reduce stress or improve stress coping skills among students.