UM Dental Students' Educational Environment and Stress Experience

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Dental Students’ Educational Environment and Perceived Stress: The University of Malaya Experience
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:

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Author:

Kyaimon Myint, Hoe See-Ziau, Ruby Husain, Rosnah Ismail


The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: Dental Students’ Educational Environment and Perceived Stress: The University of Malaya Experience

Year: 2016

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Dental education is recognized for its demanding nature, where students are required to develop a blend of academic, clinical, and interpersonal skills. This complexity often leads to stress, impacting both their academic performance and overall well-being. A growing body of research indicates that the educational environment significantly influences students' learning experiences and success. This study explores the relationship between dental students' perceptions of their educational climate and their self-reported stress levels at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Malaysia.

Perceptions of Educational Environment and Stress

The study utilized two main assessment tools: the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) to evaluate students' perceptions of their educational environment, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) to measure perceived stress levels. Results indicated that while a majority of students reported positive perceptions regarding their educational environment, with an overall DREEM score of 124.77 (62.39% of the maximal possible score), a high level of perceived stress was also evident, with 61% of participants indicating elevated stress levels. Interestingly, there was no significant correlation between the DREEM scores and the stress levels measured by the DASS, suggesting that favorable perceptions of the educational environment may not necessarily alleviate stress for dental students.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the complexity of the relationship between educational perceptions and stress levels among dental students. Although students generally maintained a positive outlook regarding their educational environment, areas needing improvement were identified, particularly in academic and social self-perception. This highlights the necessity for educational institutions to implement supportive measures for students to navigate the challenges of dental education effectively. Continuous evaluation through longitudinal studies is recommended to better understand these dynamics and inform strategic planning for enhanced educational experiences in the future.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What was the aim of the study conducted in Malaysia?

The study aimed to determine the relationship between dental students' perceptions of their educational environment and their perceived stress levels at the Dental Faculty, University of Malaya, Malaysia.

What instruments were used to assess students' perceptions?

The Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) assessed the educational environment, while the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) measured the students' self-rated perceived stress levels.

What were some key findings regarding students' perceptions?

The study found that most students had positive perceptions of their educational environment, but a significant percentage also reported high levels of perceived stress, which was not associated with their DREEM scores.

What recommendations were made based on the study's findings?

The study suggests implementing minor corrective measures to enhance the educational environment and recommends conducting longitudinal studies to gather more insights for strategic planning.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “UM Dental Students' Educational Environment and Stress Experience”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Perception:
The perception of students towards their educational environment plays a crucial role in shaping their overall learning experience. It influences their motivation, satisfaction, and well-being, which can significantly affect both their academic performance and psychological state during their studies, particularly in high-demand fields such as dentistry.

2) Study (Studying):
This study investigates the relationship between students’ perceptions of their educational environment and their levels of stress. It contributes to the understanding of how educational factors can impact students' psychological well-being, offering insights that could lead to improvements in the dental education system at the University of Malaya.

3) Table:
Tables presented in research studies typically summarize key data, findings, and correlations in a clear format. In this context, tables display the results from questionnaires assessing educational perceptions and stress levels among dental students, facilitating easy comparison and interpretation of the collected data.

4) Education:
Education is an essential process that equips individuals with knowledge, skills, and competencies. In a dental context, education encompasses both academic and clinical training, which can be high-pressure, leading to various stressors that affect students' academic and professional journeys in the healthcare field.

5) Learning:
Learning is a foundational aspect of education, particularly in professional fields that demand continuous adaptation and skill acquisition. In dental education, the learning environment influences students’ perceptions, directly impacting their capacity to engage in self-directed learning, thus affecting their competency as future healthcare providers.

6) Depression:
Depression among students can be exacerbated by the pressures of academic life, particularly in rigorous programs like dentistry. It is crucial to recognize depression as a serious mental health issue that can influence students' academic performance, well-being, and overall life satisfaction throughout their education.

7) Anxiety:
Anxiety is a common experience among students, especially in demanding academic environments. It can hinder learning and evaluate performance negatively. Recognizing sources of anxiety related to dental education is vital to fostering a supportive atmosphere that can promote healthier coping strategies and academic success.

8) Malaya:
Malaya, specifically the University of Malaya, serves as the study's context, providing insights into the perceptions and experiences of dental students in Malaysia. The cultural and educational environment in Malaya influences students' academic stressors, perceptions of educational quality, and overall mental health outcomes.

9) Performance:
Academic performance often reflects students’ ability to cope with educational demands and stress. In a dental education setting, understanding how perceived educational environments affect performance can guide interventions to improve learning conditions, ultimately enhancing student success and professional preparedness.

10) Quality:
Quality in education is essential for producing competent healthcare professionals. It encompasses various aspects, such as the curriculum, teaching methods, and the learning environment. High quality is associated with positive student perceptions, which can reduce stress and improve overall educational outcomes.

11) Rules:
Rules within an educational context govern student behavior and academic expectations. Understanding and aligning these rules with students’ needs can mitigate stress and guide them towards a more supportive learning environment, which is particularly crucial in high-pressure fields like dentistry.

12) Drug:
The term 'drug' relates to the potential abuse or overuse of substances among students as a coping mechanism for stress. Recognizing these behaviors and their implications for mental health is crucial in addressing the well-being of students in demanding academic programs.

13) Teaching:
Teaching practices play a critical role in shaping students’ perceptions of their educational environment. Effective teaching strategies can enhance engagement and motivation, ultimately impacting students’ learning experiences and abilities to handle academic pressures, particularly in professional fields like dentistry.

14) Science (Scientific):
Scientific inquiry in educational research seeks to systematically understand the complexities of learning environments and their effects on student populations. It underlines the necessity of evidence-based approaches to fostering an effective educational framework in fields like dental education.

15) Training:
Training in a healthcare context includes both academic learning and practical skills. For dental students, effective training is pivotal in preparing them for real-world scenarios. The study highlights the need for supportive training environments to promote both academic success and emotional well-being.

16) Substance:
Substance abuse, including the misuse of drugs and alcohol, can be a concern among students under high stress. Addressing the risks of substance misuse is essential in promoting a healthy educational atmosphere and ensuring students' mental health is prioritized within challenging academic programs.

17) Kamali:
Kamali refers to one of the authors involved in researching the educational environment and its impact on dental students. Their contributions to the study are significant for understanding academic pressures and student experiences within the field of dental education.

18) Mathura (Mathur):
Mathur is another contributor to the study, providing insights and expertise related to educational challenges faced by dental students. Their research emphasizes the importance of monitoring perceptions and stress levels to inform future educational practices and support mechanisms.

19) Indian:
The term 'Indian' highlights the context of a comparative study, reflecting on the cultural and systemic factors affecting stress and educational perceptions in dental students from various countries, including those from India. This can inform global best practices in dental education.

20) Kumar:
Kumar, as one of the authors, aids in the exploration of educational environments in dentistry. Their involvement underscores the importance of collaboration in research aimed at understanding and improving student experiences across different cultural contexts within health professions education.

21) Field:
Field refers to the academic discipline of dentistry in this context. It encompasses specific challenges and stressors that dental students face, necessitating tailored support strategies to optimize their educational experiences and ensure their future professional effectiveness.

22) House:
The term 'house' in this context potentially refers to 'house officers,' who are recent graduates working under supervision in clinical settings. Their experiences can be critical in understanding the transition from education to professional practice and the stressors involved in that shift.

23) Raja:
Raja’s mention in the study context signifies an author contributing to the investigation of educational environments and stress in dental students. Their insights are valuable for developing educational frameworks that address students' unique challenges in high-stress programs.

24) Wind:
Wind metaphorically relates to the challenges dental students face, such as the feeling of being overwhelmed or unable to 'wind down' from the pressures of their academic responsibilities. Recognizing such feelings is vital in creating supportive educational environments.

25) Pur:
Poor outcomes in educational environments can result from negative perceptions, high-stress levels, and inadequate support systems. Identifying these weaknesses is essential in improving the quality of dental education and ensuring students receive the necessary support for their success.

26) Life:
Life, in the context of student experiences, is influenced by academic stress, perceived educational environments, and mental health. Understanding life quality aspects allows educators to create supportive conditions that enhance student well-being and professional readiness.

27) Mental health:
Mental health encompasses conditions like anxiety and depression that can be affected by educational stressors. Promoting mental health among dental students is crucial for fostering resilience, enhancing performance, and ensuring a competent future healthcare workforce.

28) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology, often intertwined with medical education, can highlight the importance of understanding substances and their effects, including how pharmacological knowledge can relate to stress management strategies among healthcare students, particularly in dentistry.

29) Measurement:
Measurement refers to the assessment tools and instruments used, such as DREEM and DASS, to evaluate students' perceptions and levels of stress. Proper measurement is crucial in gaining insights into students’ experiences and ensuring effective educational improvements.

30) Reliability:
Reliability of the measurement tools used in educational studies is essential to ensure valid and consistent findings. Establishing reliability in assessments can influence the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving educational environments for dental students.

31) Discussion:
The discussion section of research provides critical insights into the implications of findings. It helps contextualize the relationship between educational environments and perceived stress levels, guiding future research and practical applications to enhance student experiences.

32) Collecting:
Collecting data through surveys and assessments is foundational in research to ascertain student perceptions, experiences, and levels of stress. The quality of data collection directly impacts the validity and utility of the study's findings in improving educational practices.

33) Medicine:
Medicine, alongside dentistry, shares educational challenges and stressors. Insights from medical education can inform dental education practices, promoting similar strategies to alleviate stress and enhance the educational environment for future health professionals.

34) Language:
Language plays a vital role in educational contexts, affecting communication between educators and students. Language barriers can influence students’ perceptions of their educational experience and ultimately their stress and overall academic performance.

35) Entering:
Entering an academic program can evoke a range of emotions and stress levels among students. Understanding these initial experiences is crucial in shaping support systems that help new dental students adapt effectively to their educational environment.

36) Putra:
Putra refers to the Putra World Trade Centre, where research findings were presented. The recognition of such venues highlights the importance of sharing research outcomes and fostering discussions on educational environments and student experiences in dental education.

37) Trade:
Trade, in this context, may refer to the professional practice of dentistry as a trade or vocation. Understanding the educational path leading to this trade can help align educational methods with the needs of future dental professionals.

38) Post:
Post refers to the academic environment after data collection, emphasizing the dissemination of study results. Engaging in post-study discussions can facilitate ongoing improvements in educational practices and support systems for dental students as a result of the research findings.

39) Pir:
Peer interactions are essential in educational environments, influencing students' perceptions and experiences. Establishing healthy peer relationships can alleviate stress and foster a sense of community, enhancing the overall educational experience for dental students.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘UM Dental Students' Educational Environment and Stress Experience’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Mental health, Academic achievement, Medical education, Longitudinal studies, Interpersonal skills, Remedial action, Psychological stress, Social issue, Psychological factor, Academic performance, Stress Level, Psychological distress, PubMed, Google Scholar, Response rate, Perceived stress, Limitations of Study, Clinical competencies, Self-directed learning, Academic pressure, Dental students, Educational environment, Learning environment, Educational effectiveness, Normative data, Sources of Stress, Survey data, Logistic Support, Dental education, DASS-21, Health profession, Psychometric evaluation, Substance use, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, Mental health problem, Financial problem, Positive perception.

Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.

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