Current status and influencing factors of anxiety symptoms among dental students: an analysis based on a survey report from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine

doi:10.19439/j.sjos.2026.04.012

Abstract

Abstract: PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of anxiety symptoms and associated factors among dental students, and to provide evidence for developing targeted mental health intervention strategies. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among dental students at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine using stratified sampling from November to December 2025. The data were collected via electronic questionnaires. Anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), and sleep status was evaluated using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Demographic characteristics, academic factors and lifestyle information were also collected. Logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between the factors and anxiety symptoms. RESULTS: A total of 99 dental students were included, and the detection rate of anxiety symptoms was 11.1%. Univariate analysis showed that gender, academic pressure, and sleep status were associated with anxiety symptoms (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that high academic pressure (OR=5.610, 95%CI: 1.002-31.477) and poor sleep status (OR=1.300, 95%CI: 1.082-1.560) were independent associated factors for anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: A certain proportion of dental students suffer from anxiety symptoms, academic pressure and sleep status are key associated factors. Comprehensive interventions are recommended by optimizing the academic environment and improving sleep habits to promote the mental health of dental students.

Key words: Dental students, Anxiety, Mental health, Medical education

CLC Number:

R78
R395.6

Wang Suping, Liu Yujie, Wang Jie, Ge Yun, Cai Yudian, Yao Bilian, Zhu Weiyan. Current status and influencing factors of anxiety symptoms among dental students: an analysis based on a survey report from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine[J]. Shanghai Journal of Stomatology, 2026, 35(4): 420-425.

References

[1] 俞国良. 中国学生心理健康问题的检出率及其教育启示[J]. 清华大学教育研究, 2022, 43(4): 20-32.
[2] Wang J, Liu M, Bai J, et al.Prevalence of common mental disorders among medical students in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis[J]. Front Public Health, 2023, 11: 1116616.
[3] Agyapong-Opoku N, Agyapong-Opoku F, Agyapong B, et al.Anxiety and depressive symptoms among medical students-a scoping review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses[J]. Front Public Health, 2026, 13:1710333.
[4] Moradi S, Fateh MS, Movahed E, et al.The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorder among dental students: a systematic review and meta-analysis[J]. J Dent Educ, 2024, 88(7): 900-909.
[5] Sinval J, Oliveira P, Novais F, et al.Exploring the impact of depression, anxiety, stress, academic engagement, and dropout intention on medical students' academic performance: a prospective study[J]. J Affect Disord, 2025, 368: 665-673.
[6] Fang Y, Li J, Yang M, et al.A survey on stress, anxiety, depression and coping styles in dental undergraduates from 34 universities in China[J]. BMC Med Educ, 2026, 26(1):1055.
[7] Mofatteh M.Risk factors associated with stress, anxiety, and depression among university undergraduate students[J]. AIMS Public Health, 2021, 8(1): 36-65.
[8] Rastogi S, Gupta S, Deepak D, et al.A systematic literature review on anxiety among undergraduate students: causes and coping strategies[J]. Ann Neurosci, 2025: 09727531251366078.
[9] Zhang C, Shi L, Tian T, et al.Associations between academic stress and depressive symptoms mediated by anxiety symptoms and hopelessness among chinese college students[J]. Psychol Res Behav Manag, 2022, 15: 547-556.
[10] Chellappa SL, Aeschbach D.Sleep and anxiety: from mechanisms to interventions[J]. Sleep Med Rev, 2022, 61: 101583.
[11] 田林清, 张文丽, 王淑慧, 等. 口腔医学实习生的抑郁-焦虑-压力情况及其影响因素的调查分析[J]. 昆明医科大学学报, 2024, 45(4): 62-66.
[12] Spitzer RL, Kroenke K, Williams JB, et al.A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: the GAD-7[J]. Arch Intern Med, 2006, 166(10): 1092-1097.
[13] Bastien CH, Vallières A, Morin CM.Validation of the Insomnia Severity Index as an outcome measure for insomnia research[J]. Sleep Med, 2001, 2(4): 297-307.
[14] Wasson LT, Cusmano A, Meli L, et al.Association between learning environment interventions and medical student well-being: a systematic review[J]. JAMA, 2016, 316(21): 2237-2252.
[15] El-Ashry AM, Hermis AH, Al-Salih SSH, et al.Attitudes toward artificial intelligence and impostor phenomenon among nursing students: a five-country cross-sectional study[J]. Nurse Educ Today, 2026, 161: 107011.
[16] Rotaru DI, Chisnoiu RM, Bolboacă SD, et al.Insights into self-evaluated stress, anxiety, and depression among dental students[J]. Sci Rep, 2024, 14(1): 30352.
[17] 李逗逗, 肖蓉. 大学生失眠及其与压力感知的相关关系[J]. 南方医科大学学报, 2024, 44(4): 795-800.
[18] Alvaro PK, Roberts RM, Harris JK.A systematic review assessing bidirectionality between sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression[J]. Sleep, 2013, 36(7): 1059-1068.
[19] Wang Z, Hong B, Su Y, et al.Bidirectional associations between sleep and anxiety among Chinese schoolchildren before and after the COVID-19 lockdown[J]. Sci Rep, 2024, 14(1): 21807.
[20] Tadros M, Newby JM, Li S, et al.A systematic review and meta-analysis of psychological treatments to improve sleep quality in university students[J]. PLoS One, 2025, 20(2): e0317125.