COMPARISON FOR SOMATIZATION STATUS AND ASSOCIATED VARIABLES AMONG DENTAL STUDENTS AND DENTAL PROFESSIONALS –A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Stress experienced by students is multifactorial in origin, arising from an interplay of personal circumstances, educational demands, and clinical exposure. Among these, academic pressures—especially those related to examinations and performance expectations—are consistently reported as dominant stressors. Additionally, restricted time for relaxation and recovery further exacerbates this burden.¹

As described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is defined by the presence of one or more physical complaints accompanied by excessive thoughts, emotions, or behaviors directed toward these symptoms, leading to considerable distress or impairment in daily functioning. These physical manifestations may or may not have an identifiable medical explanation. In earlier editions of the DSM, a diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder required that the physical symptoms could not be medically explained.²

Dental training, in particular, is recognized as inherently intensive and demanding, often leading to heightened stress levels among students. Contributing factors include a heavy academic workload, frequent assessments, clinical responsibilities, and the obligation to fulfil procedural requirements. These challenges may adversely affect not only mental health but also physical well-being.³ Recent research indicates a rising prevalence of psychological distress among medical and dental students, particularly in the form of stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. This trend raises significant concerns regarding students’ overall well-being and underscores the importance of implementing structured psychological support systems within both academic and clinical training environments .⁴

According to estimates reported by the American Psychiatric Association in 2013, somatic symptom disorder affects approximately 5–7% of the general population. The condition is most frequently observed in individuals aged between 20 and 30 years. Several factors have been associated with an increased risk, including female sex, lower educational attainment, poor socioeconomic background, a history of chronic illness during childhood, experiences of sexual abuse, heightened health-related anxiety, coexisting psychiatric conditions, and a familial predisposition to chronic diseases. Illness anxiety disorder is comparatively less prevalent, with reported rates ranging from 0.05% to 5% in the general population. Its onset typically occurs between 30 and 40 years of age.

 Identified risk factors include severe illness during childhood, serious health conditions in parents, experiences of physical or sexual abuse, inadequate caregiving, and overly protective parenting styles. In the case of conversion disorder, prevalence rates in community-based studies have been estimated to range from 11 to 300 cases per 100,000 individuals. The disorder occurs more often in females and typically presents in late childhood or early adulthood. Factitious disorder is relatively rare, with studies indicating that approximately 0.8% to 1% of individuals referred for psychiatric evaluation are affected. It is more commonly observed among middle-aged adults, particularly those who are unemployed or unmarried. The present study aimed to assess the somatization status among dental students and dental professionals and to determine its association with demographic characteristics and other related variables using a cross-sectional study design

MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY

A cross-sectional descriptive study design was employed to assess the prevalence of somatization symptoms and to explore their association with demographic, psychological, and lifestyle-related factors among dental students and dental professionals. Data was collected using self-administered validated questionnaires within a defined time frame by using online Google Forms. The questionnaire includes multiple-choice, one sentence and short-note questions Participants completed 7 item demographic questionnaire which included details as age, gender, designation, living arrangements, exercise habits, average sleep duration per night and smoking habits. additionally participants responded to the 15-item somatization scale validated by korenke et al. Consisting of questions answered with Not bothered at all, bothered a little, bothered a lot which is scored as 0,1,2 respects (28 for males if menstrual item is excluded ) the score 0–4 is Minimal somatic symptoms,5–9: Low severity,10–14: Moderate severity,15+: High severity (clinically significant).

The statistical significance of participant responses was evaluated Using data from the socio-demographic information questionnaire and the PHQ-15 Scale. All collected data coded and entered systematically into Microsoft Excel. Data checked for completeness and accuracy. Somatizations scale score, serving as the dependent variable, was compared against various independent variables, including age, gender, sleep Pattern, smoking status, living arrangements, exercise habits, designation. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and Inferential statistical analysis done using intergroup comparison - an Independent T test will be done. For correlation, the Pearson correlation test will be done. Statistical analysis performed using SPSS software version.

Inclusion criteria:

1. Dental students (1^st to 4^th year) and dental professionals (BDS, MDS)


2. Students who are 18 years or older.


3. Students who consent to participate voluntarily in the study.

Exclusion criteria:

1. Students or professionals from other than dental profession.


2. Students or professionals who decline or withdraw consent during or after participation.

Ethical Clearance: Prior to the study, ethical approval obtained from the Institutional Ethical Committee of the institute.