Stress management techniques

Oct 13, 2025 by ludoplayers7.com 101 views

The Relationship Between Psychological Stress and Recurrent Aftose Stomatitis (SAR) in Students of the USU FKG Clinic Registrar's Registrar 2022

Introduction

Recurrent Aftose Stomatitis (SAR) is a common oral health condition characterized by recurring wounds in the oral cavity. While the exact cause of SAR is still unknown, research suggests that psychological stress is a significant contributing factor. Dental students, in particular, are prone to high levels of psychological stress due to the demands of their profession. This study aims to investigate the relationship between psychological stress and the occurrence of recurrent aftose stomatitis in clinical company students at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of North Sumatra (USU).

Background

Dental students often experience a high level of psychological stress due to complex learning methods and severe demands. This stress can manifest in various ways, including anxiety, depression, and physical symptoms such as headaches and gastrointestinal problems. In the context of oral health, stress has been linked to an increased risk of developing conditions such as SAR. The exact mechanism by which stress contributes to SAR is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve the release of stress hormones such as cortisol, which can weaken the immune system and increase inflammation.

Methodology

This study employed an analytical survey design using the control case method, involving 60 samples divided into two groups: groups with races of 30 samples and control groups (without race) as many as 30 samples. The selection of samples was done by the purposive sampling method. Psychological stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (DES) questionnaires, while the racial diagnosis was carried out through objective examination. Data collection was carried out offline, and data analysis was carried out by Chi-Square statistical test.

Results

The results of this study showed that the majority of races sufferers were women, with a proportion of 96.7%, while men were only 3.3%. The measured stress levels showed 11.7% were in the mild stress category, 65% in the moderate stress category, and 23.3% in the severe stress category. The most common factor causing stress among students was the responsibility of patients, which reached 46.7%. Analysis using the Chi-Square test showed significant results (p = 0.015), which indicates a relationship between psychological stress and racial events among students of the USU FKG Clinic Committee.

Discussion

The findings of this study suggest that psychological stress is a significant contributing factor to the occurrence of recurrent aftose stomatitis in dental students. The high levels of stress experienced by students, particularly women, may be related to social and psychological factors that differ between gender. Women tend to be more open in expressing their emotions and stress, which may contribute to their higher risk of developing SAR.

In addition, this study highlights the importance of stress management in maintaining student mental health and preventing SAR. Handling stress through time management techniques, social support, and relaxation techniques can play an important role in reducing stress levels and improving overall well-being.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insight into the relationship between psychological stress and recurrent aftose stomatitis in dental students. The findings suggest that educational institutions, particularly the Faculty of Dentistry, need to consider the provision of counseling programs and psychological support to help students manage their stress. With a better understanding of the relationship between psychological stress and oral health conditions, it is hoped that appropriate interventions can be developed to improve student welfare.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Counseling programs: Educational institutions should provide counseling programs and psychological support to help students manage their stress.
Stress management techniques: Students should be taught stress management techniques, such as time management, social support, and relaxation techniques.
Oral health education: Students should receive education on oral health and the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.
Research: Further research is needed to investigate the relationship between psychological stress and recurrent aftose stomatitis in dental students.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Sample size: The sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Measurement tools: The use of self-report measures may be subject to bias and limitations.
Control group: The control group did not receive any intervention, which may limit the ability to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of stress management techniques.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to investigate the relationship between psychological stress and recurrent aftose stomatitis in dental students in more detail. This may involve:

Longitudinal design: A longitudinal design would allow researchers to investigate the development of SAR over time and the role of stress in its development.
Intervention studies: Intervention studies would allow researchers to investigate the effectiveness of stress management techniques in reducing stress levels and preventing SAR.
Multidisciplinary approach: A multidisciplinary approach would involve collaboration between researchers from different fields, including psychology, dentistry, and education, to investigate the relationship between psychological stress and recurrent aftose stomatitis in dental students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Relationship Between Psychological Stress and Recurrent Aftose Stomatitis (SAR) in Dental Students

Q: What is Recurrent Aftose Stomatitis (SAR)?

A: Recurrent Aftose Stomatitis (SAR) is a common oral health condition characterized by recurring wounds in the oral cavity. While the exact cause of SAR is still unknown, research suggests that psychological stress is a significant contributing factor.

Q: What is the relationship between psychological stress and SAR?

A: The relationship between psychological stress and SAR is complex and not fully understood. However, research suggests that high levels of stress can contribute to the development of SAR by weakening the immune system and increasing inflammation.

Q: Who is most at risk of developing SAR?

A: Dental students, particularly women, are at a higher risk of developing SAR due to the demands of their profession and the high levels of stress they experience.

Q: What are the symptoms of SAR?

A: The symptoms of SAR include recurring wounds in the oral cavity, which can be painful and may bleed.

Q: How can SAR be prevented?

A: SAR can be prevented by managing stress levels through techniques such as time management, social support, and relaxation techniques.

Q: What are the treatment options for SAR?

A: Treatment options for SAR include topical corticosteroids, antibiotics, and pain management medications. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Q: Can SAR be cured?

A: While SAR can be managed and treated, it is a chronic condition and may require ongoing treatment and management.

Q: How can dental students reduce their risk of developing SAR?

A: Dental students can reduce their risk of developing SAR by managing their stress levels through techniques such as time management, social support, and relaxation techniques.

Q: What role can educational institutions play in preventing SAR?

A: Educational institutions can play a significant role in preventing SAR by providing counseling programs and psychological support to help students manage their stress.

Q: What are the implications of SAR for dental students?

A: SAR can have significant implications for dental students, including decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and decreased quality of life.

Q: What are the long-term consequences of SAR?

A: The long-term consequences of SAR are not fully understood, but research suggests that chronic stress and inflammation may contribute to a range of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mental health disorders.

Q: Can SAR be prevented through lifestyle changes?

A: Yes, SAR can be prevented through lifestyle changes such as maintaining good oral hygiene, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise.

Q: What are the most effective ways to manage stress in dental students?

A: The most effective ways to manage stress in dental students include time management techniques, social support, and relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing.

Q: Can SAR be prevented through stress management techniques?

A: Yes, SAR can be prevented through stress management techniques such as time management, social support, and relaxation techniques.

Q: What are the benefits of stress management for dental students?

A: The benefits of stress management for dental students include improved mental health, increased productivity, and improved quality of life.

Q: What are the most common stressors experienced by dental students?

A: The most common stressors experienced by dental students include academic pressure, clinical demands, and patient responsibility.

Q: How can dental students prioritize their mental health?

A: Dental students can prioritize their mental health by seeking support from colleagues, friends, and family, and by engaging in stress management techniques such as time management, social support, and relaxation techniques.

Q: What are the implications of SAR for dental education?

A: The implications of SAR for dental education include the need for educational institutions to provide counseling programs and psychological support to help students manage their stress.

Q: What are the most effective ways to prevent SAR in dental students?

A: The most effective ways to prevent SAR in dental students include managing stress levels through techniques such as time management, social support, and relaxation techniques, and maintaining good oral hygiene.

Q: Can SAR be prevented through oral health education?

A: Yes, SAR can be prevented through oral health education, which includes teaching students about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and the risks of SAR.

Q: What are the benefits of oral health education for dental students?

A: The benefits of oral health education for dental students include improved knowledge and understanding of oral health, improved oral hygiene practices, and reduced risk of SAR.