A cross-sectional survey of perceived sources of stress in dental students from Punjab

Background: World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that stress-related disorders will be one of the leading causes of disability by the Year 2020. Dental education has been asserted as one of the most challenging, demanding, and stressful fields of study. Aim: The present study was therefore planned to analyse and ascertain the sources of stress and their severity among undergraduate dental students studying in a dental college across the entire curriculum (first to final year) in Punjab. Material and methods: The current study was carried out at Adesh Institute of Dental Sciences, Bathinda from August-December 2014 using a self-administered questionnaire. The severity of each stressor was rated using a Likert scale (1-10) ranging from not severe to very severe. Results: Out of a total 400 students, 267 returned completely filled questionnaires. Males (61.04%) outnumbered female students (38.96%). The mean age of study subjects was 21.24 years. Performance in examinations (42.7%) and frequency of examination (42.3%) were most commonly cited sources of academic stress. Becoming a doctor and competition with peers were rated as most severe stressor. Quality of food in the mess (51.3%), lack of entertainment (40.1%) and living conditions in the hostel (34.9%) were three most commonly cited psychosocial stressors. Quality of food in mess (45.8%) was the most commonly reported health related stressor. Conclusion: The findings of this study can be utilized in strategic planning to ensure wellbeing of the future dental doctors. Targeted efforts are needed to tackle stress and improve dental students’ physical and psychological well-being.