International Journal of Medical Education. 2017;8:179-186 ISSN: 2042-6372 DOI: 10.5116/ijme.5910.b961

Depression, anxiety and stress in dental students Sumaya Basudan1 , Najla Binanzan2 , Aseel Alhassan3 Department of Restorative Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia Endodontic Postgraduate Program at the College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia 3 Saudi Board of Restorative Dentistry, Saudi Arabia 1 2

Correspondence: Sumaya Basudan, Department of Restorative Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, P.O. Box 60169, Riyadh 11545, Saudi Arabia. Email: [email protected] Accepted: May 08, 2017

Abstract Objectives: To measure the occurrence and levels of depression, anxiety and stress in undergraduate dental students using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in November and December of 2014. A total of 289 dental students were invited to participate, and 277 responded, resulting in a response rate of 96%. The final sample included 247 participants. Eligible participants were surveyed via a self-reported questionnaire that included the validated DASS-21 scale as the assessment tool and questions about demographic characteristics and methods for managing stress. Results: Abnormal levels of depression, anxiety and stress were identified in 55.9%, 66.8% and 54.7% of the study participants, respectively. A multiple linear regression analysis revealed multiple predictors: gender (for anxiety b=-3.589, p=.016 and stress b=-4.099, p=.008), satisfaction

with faculty relationships (for depression b=-2.318, p=.007; anxiety b=-2.213, p=.004; and stress b=-2.854, p