Stress among Dental Students in Pakistani Dental Colleges: Part II – Factors Affecting Coping to Stress
1Kamran Safdar, 2Dr Seema Yasmeen, 3Umer Ali, 4Muhammad Sadiq Achakzai, 5Taimoor Ghori, 6Babar Shahzad
1Mayo Hospital, Lahore
2Shahida Islam Medical and Dental College, Lodhran
3UHS Lahore
4UHS Lahore
5UHS Lahore
6UHS Lahore
Abstract
Background:
Dental education is inherently stressful, and while stressors have been studied extensively, fewer studies have explored the mechanisms through which students cope with stress. Understanding these coping strategies and the factors influencing them is essential for developing targeted interventions.
Objective:
To identify the key factors affecting coping mechanisms in dental students in Pakistani dental colleges and to explore the association between demographic, academic, and psychosocial variables with effective stress management.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among dental students in various Pakistani colleges using a validated questionnaire assessing coping strategies, perceived stress levels, and influencing factors.
Results:
Findings indicated that students used a variety of coping strategies, including problem-solving, avoidance, and emotional expression. Factors such as gender, year of study, support systems, and self-efficacy significantly influenced the choice and effectiveness of coping strategies. Peer and faculty support emerged as strong buffers against academic stress.
Conclusion:
Coping to stress among dental students is multifactorial. Institutional reforms, targeted counseling, and peer mentoring programs may improve adaptive coping, reduce psychological morbidity, and improve academic performance.
Keywords: Stress, Morbidity, Dental issues, Cross sectional, coping