Perceived sources of stress amongst Indian dental students in Bareilly city

Abstract

Introduction: In addition to the stresses pertaining to dentistry as a profession, dental students have to face the additional stress of their studies. Through stress can also contribute to decreased student performance. The aim of this study was to assess perceived sources of stress among undergraduate dentists at a Dental College in Bareilly, India.

Materials and methods: A modified dental environment stress (DES) questionnaire which consisted of 38 questions was used to assess the levels of stress.

Results: The first major stressor for all the students was examination and grades followed by full working day, fear of unemployment after graduation, receiving criticism from supervisors about academic or clinical work, amount of cheating in dental faculty, rules and regulations of the faculty. Fear of unemployment after graduation and lack of relaxation were among the six highest stressors in each year, at least four. The perception of stress between genders with a male predilection was significantly different. Eighteen of the 38 questionnaire items had significant differences across the year groups including clinical DES items.

Conclusion: The primary sources of stress perceived by dental students were exams and grades followed by full working day and receiving criticism about academic or clinical work from superiors. Since high levels of perceived stress can reduce student performance, dental schools should consider courses in stress management.