Abstract
ObjectiveThis study investigated and compared the perceived stress levels and coping strategies of dental students in Indonesia and Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted online in 2022 for dental students from the University of Indonesia and Can Tho University, Vietnam (n = 304). Perceived stress levels and coping strategies were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire about student sociodemographic factors, learning experiences, coping strategies, stress-related factors, and stress levels. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney, Kruskal Wallis, and Spearman correlation tests. ResultsThis study showed the overall mean stress level was 23.9 (SD = 5.63), with a significant difference observed between Indonesian (24.44, SD = 5.14) and Vietnamese students (23.32, SD = 6.13) (p = 0.016), indicating potential variations in stress experiences. Key findings include a correlation between living arrangements and stress, as students living independently report higher stress (23.96, SD = 6.24) compared to those living with family (23.95, SD = 5.29) (p = 0.018). Fifth-year students exhibit lower stress levels (21.17, SD = 6.12) than other grades (p = 0.026). Multiple training sessions about COVID-19 are associated with better coping strategies (9.95, SD = 0.91, p < 0.001). The study also revealed different perceptions of COVID-19 learning experiences among dental students in Indonesian and Vietnamese dental students, with significant correlations observed between stress levels, coping strategies, and specific concerns such as graduation time and COVID-19-induced changes (p < 0.05). ConclusionThis study shows students experience moderate stress levels, but the significant differences in stress experiences and coping strategies between the two countries highlighted the need for tailored approaches. Providing social support from faculty, family, friends, and peer dental students was one of the students’ strategies to cope and minimize stress levels.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
