Evaluation of Depression, Anxiety, Stress levels and Stressors among Dental Students of Zanjan University of Medical Sciences in Academic Year of 2015-2016

Depression, anxiety and stress prevalence is one the most important problems among dental students. Due to psychiatric side effects among students, this study was conducted to determine the rate of depression, anxiety and stress in dental students of Zanjan University of Medical Science in academic year of 2015-2016.
Material and This study with designing of cross sectional-description was done on 149 dental students. Sampling was done randomly and data were completed by questionnaires. In this research questionnaire DASS21 was used for investigating rate of depression, anxiety and stress and questionnaires DESQ was used for investigating stress source factors. Results were analyzed statistically by independent t-test and ANOVA.
The present study showed that dental students had depression, anxiety and stress rates of 31.5%, 40.3% and 41.6%, respectively. There was no significant difference between depression, anxiety and stress in terms of gender and place of residence (p> 0.05). There was a significant difference between depression and stress level in terms of educational level (p ≤ 0.05). The most important stress source factors from students’ point of view were as follows: In educational field was fear of failing (57%), in clinical field was responsibilities for comprehensive patient care (36.2%), and in outside of university was living far from family (37.5%)
Regarding the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress mentioned and the stressors present, it is recommended that authorities endeavor to decrease these factors and prepare a better educational atmosphere for students.