ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to assess perceived stress levels among dental students at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and to explore the influence of parental roles in their decision to pursue dentistry as a potential source of social stress. METHODS: This cross-sectional study employed the validated Dental Environmental Stress (DES) Scale to evaluate perceived stress, and incorporated additional questions to fulfill the research aim. We approached all undergraduate dental students at King Saud University, both male and female, across all academic years, using online channels (such as emails, WhatsApp, Twitter, etc.) and hard copy distribution. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 20, utilizing descriptive and correlation statistics. RESULTS: A total of 326 students participated in the study, with an even distribution of male and female students. Female students reported higher levels of stress compared to their male counterparts across most DES domains. A notable correlation emerged between mean DES scores in certain domains and influence of parents in the decision to pursue dentistry. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that female dental students experience higher stress levels than males in all examined areas, barring social stressors. Furthermore, the study underscores the significant impact of parental involvement in choosing dentistry as a career on students' stress level.
Subject(s)
Career Choice , Decision Making , Stress, Psychological , Students, Dental , Humans , Students, Dental/psychology , Female , Male , Cross-Sectional Studies , Stress, Psychological/psychology , Saudi Arabia , Young Adult , Adult , Parents/psychology , Sex Factors , Parent-Child RelationsABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate maximum mouth opening (MMO) and its correlation with gender, age, height, weight, Body Mass Index, and temporomandibular joint disorders in a Saudi population.Methods: This is an observational cross-sectional study of 222 Saudi patients (46% male and 54% female). Patients were clinically examined, and files were accessed to record data. Frequency test was mainly used along with correlation tests.Results: The mean MMO for all subjects was 47.8 ± 6.9 mm. The mean MMO for male subjects was 50.8 ± 7.0 mm, and the mean MMO for female subjects was 45.2 ± 5.7 mm. The mean MMO of male subjects was significantly higher than the mean MMO of female subjects. MMO had a significantly weak positive correlation with height and weight.Conclusion: Male subjects had a significantly higher MMO than female subjects. MMO showed a weak but positive significant correlation with height and weight.