Factors Affecting Stress among Dental Undergraduates

Abstract

This study aims to comprehensively explore the factors contributing to stress among dental undergraduates in the unique landscape of Indian dental education. Acknowledging the global prevalence of stress in the dental profession, this research addresses the dearth of literature specifically focusing on stressors within the Indian context, particularly in the region surrounding the School of Dental Sciences at KIMSDU Karad. The study adopts an institutional cross-sectional design, targeting undergraduate students from the 2nd year to interns, providing a diverse representation of academic stages. The data collection instrument, a self-administered questionnaire distributed as a Google Form, is a modified version of the Dental Environmental Stress (DES) survey. This adaptation ensures cultural relevance and linguistic appropriateness for the Indian dental environment. The questionnaire encompasses six domains—academic performance, clinical and patient responsibility, faculty relations, personal issues, accommodation, and professional identity/career—providing a holistic view of potential stressors. Ethical considerations form a foundational aspect of the study, with approval obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee. The voluntary participation of students emphasizes the importance of informed consent and ethical research practices. Upon data collection, rigorous statistical analysis, including descriptive statistics and inferential methods, will be employed to derive meaningful insights. The objective is to identify patterns, associations, and correlations within the identified stress domains. The significance of this research lies in its potential to uncover nuanced stressors specific to Indian dental education. The findings aim to contribute not only to the academic discourse on dental education but also to the development of targeted interventions and stress management programs. By understanding the unique stress landscape faced by dental undergraduates, this study seeks to pave the way for fostering a supportive learning environment and enhancing the overall well-being of future dental professionals in India. In conclusion, this abstract encapsulates the study's purpose, methodology, and potential contributions, providing a snapshot of the research's significance in addressing a critical gap in the understanding of stress among dental undergraduates in the Indian context.