Perceived Sources of Stress and Coping Strategies Adopted by Final Year under Graduate Students at Dental Teaching Institutes in Gujarat - A Questionnaire Survey

Background: Dental schools are known to be highly demanding and stressful learning environments. The identification of the potential sources of stress is important in dental education programs to take various measures for preventing stress in the dental school environment. Aim: To assess stress perception and coping strategies adopted by final year undergraduates at dental teaching institutes in Gujarat. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among final year students of dental institutions of Gujarat. The validated and translated questionnaire comprised the modified version of the dental environmental stress scale. A four-point Likert scale was used to record the responses from the participants. The participants were asked to fill a self-administered questionnaire about coping strategies. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results: Responses were received from 560 students. Out of 27 items, 22 items were reported to be stressful by more than 75% of the students. Six items were reported to be stressful by 100% of the students. Seven items were reported to be highly stressful among 27 items. Focus in problem, detachment, focus on positive, tension reduction, and keeping to self were the only significant predictors for total stress level. Conclusions: A contemporary dental school should address potential stress sources effectively. Strategies for stress management must be incorporated and evaluated on a timely basis in dental education to ensure the educational and professional well-being of dental undergraduates.