Mental health, job satisfaction and associated factors among Nepalese dentists

Abstract

Abstract:

Abstract: Background: In the medical realm, particularly dentistry, job satisfaction is crucial for effective human resource management. Dentists face heightened stress due to demanding schedules, with over 50% reporting negative impacts on their profession. In Nepal, dental professionals grapple with rising anxiety, stress, and depression, compounded by societal pressures and inadequate support services. Limited research suggests factors like patient expectations and economic pressures contribute to stress. Dentists’ satisfaction is influenced by professional freedom, career prospects, and social constraints, with challenges like limited facilities and long hours exacerbating dissatisfaction. Research from other countries highlights factors such as income and support staff quality impacting job satisfaction. Nepal’s unique challenges, including low pay and resources, necessitate tailored interventions. Current research gaps underscore the need for comprehensive investigations and targeted interventions to enhance mental health and job satisfaction among Nepalese dentists.

Objectives: The study aimed to investigate and explore the mental health, job satisfaction, and associated factors among Nepalese dentists.

Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was used in the study, and an online questionnaire was distributed. The study involved the recruitment of licensed dentists actively practicing within the territory of Nepal, adhering strictly to predefined inclusion criteria. The study employed pretested and validated questionnaires in English, covering demographic information, the DASS-21 for mental health assessment, and the 10-item WCW questionnaire for job satisfaction, utilizing Likert scales.

Results: The study included 205 participants, with 64.4% aged 30 years or younger, 23.9% aged 31-40 years, 9.8% aged 41-50 years, and 2% aged over 50 years. The majority were women (66.8%), and 52.7% were married. Regarding their professional experience, 34.6% had 1-2 years of practice, 35.1% had 2-5 years, 15.6% had 5-10 years, and 14.6% had over 10 years. Most participants worked in private clinics (56.6%), followed by private hospitals (26.3%), and government hospitals (17.1%). In terms of mental health, 44.9% experienced extremely severe depression, 50.7% had extremely severe anxiety, and 40% suffered from extremely severe stress. Job satisfaction scores varied, with means ranging from 3.32 for remuneration to 4.10 for colleagues and fellow workers. There was a significant moderate negative correlation between job satisfaction and depression (-0.569), anxiety (-0.427), and stress (-0.539).

Conclusion: The study revealed that a significant portion of Nepalese Dentists especially those in private clinics, experience high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Job satisfaction varied across different aspects, with the highest satisfaction related to colleagues and the lowest to remuneration. Importantly, there is a notable moderate negative correlation between job satisfaction and mental health issues, indicating that lower job satisfaction is associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. This highlights the need for interventions aimed at improving job satisfaction to potentially alleviate mental health concerns among dentists.