Perceived Occupational Stress and Its Psychosocial Predictors Among Indian Orthodontists

Orthodontists, like any other medical professional, are susceptible to cumulative stressors and their undesirable consequences. The study aims to assess the self-perceived occupational stress levels and the psychological link between predictors and stress among orthodontic practitioners in India.

The participants in this cross-sectional study are active members of the Indian Orthodontic Society (IOS). The data for the survey were collected by a previously validated closed-ended occupational stress assessment (OSA) questionnaire and a job satisfaction questionnaire, which were sent through the registered e-mails. A five-point Likert scale was used to assess the severity of individual stressors, and an overall severity score was obtained by summing up the individual scores. The predictors of stress based on socio-demographic parameters were assessed using a binomial multiple logistic equation. Statistical significance was set at a p-value of <0.05.

A total of 311 responses were received. Male orthodontists, unmarried, in the age group of 30-40 years, working in urban areas without any academic attachment were more stressed compared to the other groups in the respective categories. Tiredness/headache (39%) was reported as the most common consequence of occupational stress. The most concerning stressor was patients not wearing retainers. Orthodontists showed overall job satisfaction that is negatively correlated to overall stress (p <0.0001)(r = -0.260).

A profound variation in stress levels was found among the orthodontists with their socio-demographic and professional characteristics. Despite the stress, orthodontists were highly satisfied with their careers.