Assessment of Sources of Academic Stress and Coping Strategies Among Junior Dental Students of Preclinical Years in A Public Sector University

Stress in junior dental students.

Abstract

Objectives: To identify the sources of stress and coping strategies among preclinical students and to compare
dental environment stress, the self-perceived stress, and coping strategies scores
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a public sector dental school of Karachi on the
students of the first and the second year. Students were asked to fill in the questionnaire based on DES, PSS,
and COPE scale. Sample size of 89 was calculated through OpenEpi and convenience sampling was utilized
for data collection. A pilot study to validate the questionnaire was completed followed by final data collection.
Results: Data was analyzed through SPSS version 18. The number of female participants was 64 out of 89
while males were 25. The first year students were (N=44) and the rest were second year students (N=45) .
The Mean score for PSS for the first year was 28.06 while for the second year was 28.1. DES showed that
the highest stress factors were ‘Examination’, ‘Workload’ and ‘Performance Pressure’ while the highest scoring
COPE factors were ‘religious coping’, ‘planning’ and ‘restraining thoughts’. The overall stress was higher
in the second year students than in the first year students with both seeking solace in religious teachings the
most. Also, female participants showed high stress scores.
Conclusion: The findings of the study support previous data that dental students suffer from constant stress
and pressure to perform which may lead to mental issues and eventually burnout. Support by teachers and
family could play a major part in managing their stress levels.