Stress and Salivary Biomarkers in Dental Students
Author Information
Author(s): Otilia Bolos, Vanessa Bolchis, Ramona Dumitrescu, Vlad Alexa Tiberiu, Berivan Laura Rebeca Buzatu, Anca Marcu, Catalin Marian, Paula Diana Ciordas, Daniela Jumanca, Atena Galuscan, Octavia Balean, Mario Pérez-Sayáns, Ionut Luchian, Radu Iliescu, Mihaela Moscalu
Primary Institution: University of Medicine and Pharmacy 'Victor Babes', Timisoara, Romania
Hypothesis
This study aims to explore the relationship between academic stress and salivary biochemical markers, specifically cortisol and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), in dental students.
Conclusion
The study found that academic stress negatively impacts TAC while causing a moderate increase in salivary cortisol levels.
Supporting Evidence
- Stress negatively impacts educational performance and can lead to psychological issues.
- Salivary TAC levels decreased significantly during high-stress periods.
- Cortisol levels showed slight, non-significant variability under stress.
Takeaway
When dental students are stressed, their bodies produce less of a substance that helps fight damage, and their stress hormone levels change a little.
Methodology
This cross-sectional study involved collecting saliva samples from dental students during low-stress and high-stress periods to measure cortisol and TAC levels.
Potential Biases
Selection bias may have been introduced by including only volunteers from a specific educational background.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and was conducted at a single center, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
The participants included 23 females (48.9%) and 21 males (44.7%), with an average age of 24.51 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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