Objectives: To identify the probable sources, different symptoms and methods of coping occupational stresses among dental staff.
Materials and methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University. Data was collected using a self-administered close-ended questionnaire. The questionnaire basically consists of main four parts to assess demographic data, factors causing stress, stress symptoms, and methods of coping. The scientific reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed by three experts in the field. A pilot study was conducted on 20 participants to measure its internal consistency.
Results: The response rate was high (83,3%) . The most significant stress factor was the increased student number (78%, P=0.00) followed by publishing difficulty (73%, P=0.00).The main stress symptoms among the dental staffs were overtiring, anxiety, headache and elevated blood pressure and GIT manifestations. There was no statistically significant difference between male and female regarding to all stress symptoms. The most significant method of coping was praying (71%, P=0.00) followed by patience (67%). The least significance one was no response (3%).
Conclusion: Dental staff experienced many stress symptoms especially overtiring, anxiety, headache, elevated blood pressure. The main stressors were increased the student number.
The most significant method of coping was praying.