Objective: To assess the level of depression, anxiety and stress in dental postgraduates by using DASS-21 scale.

Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration: Department of Prosthodontics, Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, Karachi, from 1^st May 2022 to 30^th August 2022.

Methodology: This study was conducted on dental post graduates. DASS-21 validated scale was used to collect data from 100 participants. The data was analyzed with linear regression analysis to evaluate the relationship of independent variables with DASS-21. A p-Value of ≤0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results: The signs of depression were evident in 90% of post graduates. Regarding the causes of depression, 33.8% think saturation is the cause of depression followed by hectic schedules (21.3%), 21.3% marked pressure to pass the exams.13.8% of participants think that peer pressure is cause of depression. We also found that 10% of the participants. Moreover, dental sector faced major crisis during COVID-19 outbreak. 78.8% think that COVID-19 has increased the already existing depression.

Conclusion:  High levels of stress, anxiety and depression were evident in post graduates’ dentists. Stress levels were raised due to lack of post-graduation and job opportunity. Furthermore, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic augmented the DAS levels.

Keywords: COVID-19 Pandemic, Dentists, Depressive Disorder, Graduate; DASS-21, Psychological Health

How to Cite This:

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