Evaluation of Stress Among Undergraduate Students While Treating Pediatric Patients - A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Dentistry, particularly pediatric dentistry, is highly stressful. Studies indicate that dental students experience significant stress during their training period. Our study aimed to evaluate the stress experienced by undergraduate students, and identify to aspects in which they become stressed, and design methods to overcome it.

Aim: Evaluation of stress among undergraduate students in Pediatric dental practice.

Methods: A Cross-sectional study survey was conducted among 254 participants. A self-designed study Questionnaire was used comprising 17 questions. A pilot study was also performed. Student's self-reported stress was recorded using a 5-point Likert stress scale, and stress level was calculated. Data were then statically analyzed using a two-way ANOVA test, with a significant difference kept as ≤0.05.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 19-25 years. 29.5% were male and 70.5% were female participants. 35% final-year students, 34% compulsory rotatory residential internship (CRRI)'S, and 31% third-year students. 53% of female participants felt stressful than male participants.

Conclusions: This study reveals that students feel a considerable amount of stress while treating pediatric patients, which is highly subject to intervention to combat the stress.