Comparative analysis of stress level and coping strategies due to COVID-19 pandemics among dental students in Indonesia and Vietnam

• Published in: Heliyon 2024-07, Vol.10 (14), p.e34452, Article e34452
• Main Authors: Darwita, Risqa Rina, Savitri, Putri Adelia, Khairinisa, Safira, Ramadhani, Atik, Adiatman, Melissa, Maharani, Diah Ayu, Do, Thao Thi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Coping strategies; COVID-19; Dental students; Indonesia; Mental health; Stress related factors; Vietnam
• ISSN: 2405-8440; 2405-8440
• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34452

This study investigated and compared the perceived stress levels and coping strategies of dental students in Indonesia and Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional survey was conducted online in 2022 for dental students from the University of Indonesia and Can Tho University, Vietnam (n = 304). Perceived stress levels and coping strategies were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire about student sociodemographic factors, learning experiences, coping strategies, stress-related factors, and stress levels. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney, Kruskal Wallis, and Spearman correlation tests. This study showed the overall mean stress level was 23.9 (SD = 5.63), with a significant difference observed between Indonesian (24.44, SD = 5.14) and Vietnamese students (23.32, SD = 6.13) (p = 0.016), indicating potential variations in stress experiences. Key findings include a correlation between living arrangements and stress, as students living independently report higher stress (23.96, SD = 6.24) compared to those living with family (23.95, SD = 5.29) (p = 0.018). Fifth-year students exhibit lower stress levels (21.17, SD = 6.12) than other grades (p = 0.026). Multiple training sessions about COVID-19 are associated with better coping strategies (9.95, SD = 0.91, p