Psychosocial factors affecting mental well-being of dental students: a qualitative study

Lim, Shea Lee and Mohamed Ludin, Salizar and Abu Bakar, Noraini and Ahmad Basri, Nadzirah (2024) Psychosocial factors affecting mental well-being of dental students: a qualitative study. IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 23 (2). pp. 78-84. ISSN 1823-4631 E-ISSN 2735-2285

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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Dental students often faced high levels of mental distress which contributed to lower mental well-being. This has a negative impact on their health and academic performance. Many previous studies focused on students who were already in a 'diseased' state with little focus on students who are well but at risk of developing poor mental well-being. A better understanding of the factors affecting the mental well-being dental students is needed. This study was aimed to explore the factors associated with mental well-being of dental students and to identify steps to promote their mental wellbeing. MATERIALS & METHODS: In this qualitative study, individual interviews were conducted among undergraduate dental students using semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were recorded, transcribed via verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: The analysis revealed three main themes; i) Impression of dentistry, ii) Stressors and iii) Mental health experience. This study elucidated the experiences and stressors of dental students as they advanced through their dental education especially in clinical years. Most of the students had experienced low levels of mental well-being which affected them negatively. The findings also showed opportunities for fostering better mental well-being. CONCLUSION: Undergraduate dental students often experienced low mental well-being due to the stressors they faced. Identifying the factors that influenced the mental well-being of dental students would allow for early intervention and fostering of mental well-being among dental students.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	mental well-being, undergraduate dental students, psychosocial factors
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology > BF636 Applied psychology
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Dentistry Kulliyyah of Dentistry > Department of Orthodontics Kulliyyah of Medicine Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Psychiatry Kulliyyah of Nursing Kulliyyah of Nursing > Department of Critical Care Nursing
Depositing User:	Dr Nadzirah Ahmad Basri
Date Deposited:	25 Apr 2024 09:11
Last Modified:	28 May 2024 15:22
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/111904

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