Evaluating Well-being Among Dental Students Using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale and the Relationship Between Mental Well-being and Socio-demographic Findings

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to measure mental well-being among dental students using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) and to investigate factors affecting well-being. Materials and Methods: Baskent University Faculty of Dentistry students were invited to participate in the study in 2019. The participants were asked to complete the WEMWBS and a questionnaire describing their demographic details, social background and lifestyle habits. Results: A total of 268 dental students (68% females) participated in the survey, with a response rate of 85%. The overall WEMWBS score of the study population was 48.18 +/- 9.6. Statistically significant differences in WEMWBS scores were detected between first- and fourth-year (p<0.001) students and between fourth- and fifth-year students (p<0.001). Male students (p<0.001) whose first choice was to attend the school of dentistry (p=0.024) and who pursued hobbies (p=0.001) or regular sports activities (p=0.001) had significantly higher WEMWBS scores than those who did not. Dental students' smoking status (p=0.630), living accommodation (p=0.71) or parents' education level did not affect WEMWBS scores significantly. Conclusion: The mental well-being of dental students was influenced by their year of study, gender, first choice of school and pursuit of hobbies or regular sports activities. Factors that may affect the mental well-being of students should be carefully considered, and strategies should be implemented to monitor and promote well-being during the students' academic career.