Affiliation:
1. Department of Periodontics and Community Dentistry, College of Dentistry King Saud University Riyadh Saudi Arabia
2. King Fahad Military Medical Complex Dhahran Saudi Arabia
3. College of Dentistry King Saud University Riyadh Saudi Arabia
4. Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry Prince Sattam Bin AbdulAziz Riyadh Saudi Arabia
Abstract
AbstractObjectivesThe current study aimed to assess perceived stress levels among dental students at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and to explore the influence of parental roles in their decision to pursue dentistry as a potential source of social stress.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study employed the validated Dental Environmental Stress (DES) Scale to evaluate perceived stress, and incorporated additional questions to fulfill the research aim. We approached all undergraduate dental students at King Saud University, both male and female, across all academic years, using online channels (such as emails, WhatsApp, Twitter, etc.) and hard copy distribution. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 20, utilizing descriptive and correlation statistics.ResultsA total of 326 students participated in the study, with an even distribution of male and female students. Female students reported higher levels of stress compared to their male counterparts across most DES domains. A notable correlation emerged between mean DES scores in certain domains and influence of parents in the decision to pursue dentistry.ConclusionOur findings indicate that female dental students experience higher stress levels than males in all examined areas, barring social stressors. Furthermore, the study underscores the significant impact of parental involvement in choosing dentistry as a career on students’ stress level.
Funder
Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University