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.

Keywords

• depression, dental professionals, female dentists, suicide