Self-reported anxiety in postgraduate students of oral pathology and oral medicine in Brazil: impacts and challenges for academic well-being.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate self-reported anxiety, the factors associated with its occurrence and its impact on the academic well-being of postgraduate students (Master and PhD) in Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine in Brazil.

STUDY

DESIGN

This multicenter observational study included postgraduate students in Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine from seven Brazilian universities. Data were collected using a 24-item online questionnaire that assessed sociodemographic, academic, and occupational characteristics, as well as symptoms of mental health disorders and were analyzed using SPSS® v27.0. Pearson's chi-square test and Poisson regression with robust variance were used to assess associations (P < .05; 95% CI).

RESULTS

The results revealed that anxiety was the disorder with the highest prevalence (27.3%), followed by depression (15.1%) and burnout (8.6%). Female students (43.2%) were significantly more affected by mental health disorders. Postgraduate students' perception of excessive pressure from professors/supervisors (adjusted PR = 1.77, P = .026) and professional psychological support (adjusted PR = 11.74, P < .001) were significantly associated with anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights a mental health crisis in this specialized field, driven by academic pressures, underscoring the need for institutional strategies, including structural changes, improved supervisor-student relationships, and increased accessibility and awareness of psychological support services to promote a healthier academic environment.