RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To compare the stress levels among medical and dental students and to evaluate their coping strategies. METHODS: The cross-sectional comparative study was conducted at the Liaquat College of Medicine and Dentistry, Karachi, from January to February 2018, and comprised medical students from 3rd, 4th and 5th years, and dental students of 3rd and 4th year. Cohen Perceived Stress Scale was used to collect data which was then analysed using SPSS 21. RESULTS: Of the 400 students approached, 281(70.25%) responded. There were 159(56.5%) medical and 122(43.4%) dental students. Also, 78(27.7%) students were males and 203(72.2%) were females. The stress level was moderate or high in 267(95%) students; 118(96.7%) dental, 149(93.7%) medical. Stress management strategies included meditation/praying 181(64.4%), spending some time to relax 180(64.1%) and sleeping 177(63%). CONCLUSIONS: Dental students had slightly higher stress level than medical students. The most common stress management strategy was meditation/praying.