Mental Health Matters: A Multi-Institution Study on the Mental Health of Undergraduate Dental Students.

Abstract

This study aims to explore the prevalence of mental health issues among dental students in the Arabic-speaking countries and identify the contributing factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among dental students at multiple dental institutions from four Arabic-speaking countries namely, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and Egypt. The survey questionnaire consisted of five sections: Consent to participate; Demographics of the participants; The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21); the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9); and open-ended items. Of the 508 responses received, 429 provided complete PHQ-9 and DASS-21 scales, forming the basis of the analyses. Results indicated a high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among dental students, with 34.27% self-reporting moderate depression and 9.86% severe depression. Additionally, significant gender differences were observed, with female students reporting higher levels of mental health symptoms for both DASS-21 and PHQ-9. The study also highlights the lack of significant association between year of study and severity of mental health symptoms, suggesting that mental health challenges are pervasive across all academic years. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to support the mental well-being of dental students, with particular attention to academic stress, gender differences, and cultural considerations. By addressing these challenges, dental education programs can foster a healthier, more supportive learning environment for students.