Abstract:

Stress is supported as a factor capable of influencing the level of general health. In this study it is evidenced the impact of a high level of stress in dentistry students and its relationship with health, compared to a less dimension of stress in social sciences students.
This scientific study was conducted with 265 students of dentistry and social sciences faculties, among public and private universities of the Community of Madrid. Students completed a questionnaire “ad hoc” about their risk and break habits and two different surveys validated in Spanish on the evaluation of the stress, the SCL-90-R Questionnaire of Derogatis and the Perceived Stress Questionnaire of Levenstein.

The results show that female students of social sciences are the most smokers, while males enrolled in dentistry are those who consume more alcohol. It has been proven that males practice more sports, while in the habit of reading and cultural activities the percentages are reversed. The students of dentistry, especially women, suffer from a high level of stress, in relation to the students of social sciences. This is to indicate that those future female dentists endure a considerable mental suffering and accuse a higher perceived stress. Taking into account the habits of relaxation and sociability of this collective, it is checked that they do not use relaxing procedures, which help to add even major stress level to their lives.

Keywords:

Stress, dental colleges, social sciences colleges.