Uncovering the Link Between Perceived Stress and Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) among Dentistry Students of the Arab American University-Palestine
Descubriendo el vínculo entre el estrés percibido y la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) entre estudiantes de odontología de la Universidad Árabe Americana-Palestina
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15446/rcp.v34n1.112120Keywords:
Perceived stress;, Health-related quality of life (HRQOL);, Academic performance;, Psychological wellbeing;, Coping;, higher education (en)Downloads
University students face various stressors related to academics, personal issues, and their environment. This stress can negatively impact health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This study aimed to explore stressors influencing Palestinian dentistry students at Arab American University and their relationship with HRQOL. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 232 undergraduate dentistry students using a comprehensive 46-item questionnaire. Stressors across,individual, academic, faculty, and institutional domains were measured. HRQOL was assessed across psychological, occupational, , personal and social, physical, and religious and spiritual domains (63 items). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression modeling. Key stressors included academic workload, facultyrelations, clinical training, and social adjustment. These significantly correlated with poorer HRQOL, especially psychological wellbeing and academic performance. Regression analysis found higher anxiety, time management difficulties, instructor attitude, and dietary changes as top predictors of reduced HRQOL. Palestinian dentistry students face multifaceted stressors that profoundly impact HRQOL. A supportive educational environment encompassing counseling services, mentorship programs, stress management training, and student-centered policies is crucial. This study highlights specific stressors affecting an under-researched population, guiding context-appropriate interventions to improve wellbeing and academic outcomes.
Los estudiantes universitarios se enfrentan a diversos factores estresantes relacionados con los estudios, las cuestiones personales y su entorno. Este estrés puede afectar negativamente a la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS). El objetivo de este estudio era explorar los factores estresantes que influyen en los estudiantes palestinos de odontología de la Arab American University y su relación con la CVRS. Se llevó a cabo una encuesta transversal entre 232 estudiantes de odontología mediante un cuestionario exhaustivo de 46 preguntas. Se midieron los factores estresantes en los ámbitos individual, académico, docente e institucional. La CVRS se evaluó en los ámbitos psicológico, laboral, personal y social, físico, religioso y espiritual (63 ítems). El análisis de los datos incluyó estadísticas descriptivas, análisis de correlación y modelos de regresión. Los principales factores estresantes fueron la carga de trabajo académico, las relaciones con el profesorado, la formación clínica y la adaptación social. Estos factores se correlacionaron significativamente con una peor CVRS, especialmente con el bienestar psicológico y el rendimiento académico. El análisis de regresión reveló que la mayor ansiedad, las dificultades para gestionar el tiempo, la actitud del profesor y los cambios dietéticos eran los principales predictores de una menor CVRS. Los estudiantes palestinos de odontología se enfrentan a múltiples factores estresantes que afectan profundamente a su CVRS. Es crucial contar con un entorno educativo de apoyo que incluya servicios de asesoramiento, programas de tutoría, formación en gestión del estrés y políticas centradas en el estudiante. Este estudio pone de relieve los factores estresantes específicos que afectan a una población poco investigada y orienta las intervenciones adecuadas al contexto para mejorar el bienestar y los resultados académicos.
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