Survey on Depression among Dental Professionals in Pakistan
Abstract
Objective: To assess association of depression among Pakistani dentists with demographic variables and
correlate patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) depression severity measure (DSM) variables.
Study Design: Cross sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at Department of Dental Materials, Army Medical
College, Rawalpindi from March 2018 to October 2018.
Materials and Methods: Minimum sample size of 350 was ascertained at 95% confidence level via Raosoft
sample size calculator. Targeted population included 378 Pakistani dentists. Consent from Institutional Review
Board and study participants was taken. SPSS version 21 was utilized to analyze and interpret the collected data.
Percentages were used to present categorical variables. Chi-square test was used to compare association of
DSM with demographic variables. Pearson Correlations between all PHQ-9 variables and DSM was also
established. P< 0.05 was taken significant.
Results: Majority of study participants were female dentists (63.2%) from Punjab (63.2%), 27-31 years old
(33.3%), married (56.6%) and only BDS qualified (66.9%). Majority were M.Phil./FCPS residents (31%) with ≤ 5
years' work experience (64%), working ≥48 hours/week (42.3%). Statistically significant association of DSM was
observed with province, age, marital status, designation and experience. Statistically significant correlations
were observed between all PHQ-9 variables and DSM.
Conclusion: Dentistry is dominated by young Pakistani females, majority of whom are pursuing higher
education and exhibit moderate depression. Depression is more pronounced among young, single, fresh
graduates with ≤ 5 years' work experience.
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