Original Article

Year : 2018 | Volume : 6 | Issue : 2 | Page : 36-40

Assessment of Anxiety and Depression among Dental Practitioners in a Dental School in South Kerala

Shibu Thomas Sebastian, Abraham Mathen, Benley George, Rino Roopak Soman1, Vinod Mathew Mulamoottil

Departments of Public Health Dentistry and 1 Periodontology, Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences,

Tiruvalla, Kerala, India

Address for correspondence:

Dr. Benley George,

Department of Public Health Dentistry, Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences, Tiruvalla, Kerala, India.

E‐mail: georgebenley@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

Background:

Identification of the potential sources of depression and anxiety is important in dentistry, as it gives opportunity to take various measures to prevent these in a dental environment. This study aimed to investigate the causes of anxiety and depression among dental practitioners in a dental school in South Kerala.

Materials and Methods:

A questionnaire‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted among 100 dental practitioners working in a dental school in South Kerala. Depression and anxiety status was measured through prevalidated questionnaire Zung Self Rating Anxiety Scale and the Zung Self Rating Depression Scale. A 5‐point Likert scale was used to record the responses from the study participants. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS package version 18.

Results:

The prevalence of depression and anxiety was 48% and 52%, respectively. Gender, educational level, choosing dentistry by chance, part‐time practicing, marital status, lack of additional source of income, lack of physical exercise, and smoking were associated significantly with depressive symptoms (P < 0.05). Almost all sociodemographic, work‐related characteristics, lifestyle except years of practicing, number of patients, and sleeping time were significantly associated with anxiety symptoms (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Dental practitioners were subject to many sources of anxiety and depression in their workplaces, with significant relationships with educational level, choosing dentistry by chance, part‐time practicing, marital status, and lack of additional source of income. Dentists should be encouraged to participate in stress management courses to alleviate stress.

Keywords: Anxiety, dentists, depression, lifestyle, mental health

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

How to cite this article:

Sebastian ST, Mathen A, George B, Soman RR, Mulamoottil VM. Assessment of anxiety and depression among dental practitioners in a dental school in South Kerala. Int J Community Dent 2018;6:36-40.