A questionnaire study to evaluate the burnout syndrome and stress among dental students from two universities

Background: Stress has been described as an epidemic of the 21 st century and even students are not exempted from this scenario. It is now well‑established that dental students perceive and experience high levels of stress. Although some stress is inherent in dentistry and education and is likely to be beneficial as a learning stimulus, there is a concern that high levels of stress and prolonged stress exposure may precipitate burnout, a term that describes the experience of long‑term work‑related exhaustion and diminished interest. Hence this study was attempted. Aim: To evaluate burnout and stress among students of two dental universities with different curriculum (Karnataka Lingayat Education University, KLEU, and Rajiv Gandhi University of Health sciences (RGUHS). Materials and Methods: Information regarding the level of stress and burnout was assessed based on Maslach Burnout Inventory‑Student Version (MBI‑SS) and Perceived Stress Score (PSS) questionnaire. The responses obtained from 137 participants were analyzed using independent t‑tests and Chi‑square test. Results: Statistically significant increase in stress mean scores (P = 0.002) was found in KLEU dental students when compared to RGUHS. Applying strict rule of burnout syndrome statistically significant increase in burnout syndrome (P = 0.029) with odds ratio 3.97 times more was found in KLEU dental students. No difference in burnout and stress between males and females and the social classes was noted. Conclusion: Burnout and stress was significantly more in dental students of KLEU as compared to RGUHS students.