Depression, Stress and Anxiety in Post-Graduate Dentists

Abstract

Objective: To assess the level of depression, anxiety and stress in dental postgraduates by using DASS-21 scale. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Place and Duration: Department of Prosthodontics, Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, Karachi, from 1st May 2022 to 30th August 2022. Methodology: This study was conducted on dental post graduates. DASS-21 validated scale was used to collect data from 100 participants. The data was analyzed with linear regression analysis to evaluate the relationship of independent variables with DASS-21. A p-Value of ≤0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The signs of depression were evident in 90% of post graduates. Regarding the causes of depression, 33.8% think saturation is the cause of depression followed by hectic schedules (21.3%), 21.3% marked pressure to pass the exams.13.8% of participants think that peer pressure is cause of depression. We also found that 10% of the participants. Moreover, dental sector faced major crisis during COVID-19 outbreak. 78.8% think that COVID-19 has increased the already existing depression. Conclusion: High levels of stress, anxiety and depression were evident in post graduates’ dentists. Stress levels were raised due to lack of post-graduation and job opportunity. Furthermore, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic augmented the DAS levels. Keywords: COVID-19 Pandemic, Dentists, Depressive Disorder, Graduate; DASS-21, Psychological Health How to Cite This: Salahuddin A, Minallah S, Sajjad B, Vankwani AA, Ahmed N, Abbasi MA. Depression, Stress and Anxiety in Post-Graduate Dentists. Isra Med J. 2022; 14(4): 152-156. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55282/imj.oa1339