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- A digital repository for Azra Naheed Dental College showcasing academic, research, and institutional content including publications, student theses, and faculty work.
Recent Submissions
Dental Anxiety in Adults Patterns of Patterns of Prevalence and Demographic Influences
(2025-07-05) Tayyaba Nazir
Dental anxiety continues to be a significant barrier to oral healthcare, often resulting in
delayed or avoided dental visits. This study investigates how widespread dental anxiety is
among adults and explores how demographic characteristics may influence it. A survey
using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) was conducted among 500 adults from
diverse backgrounds. Findings showed that about one-third of respondents reported
moderate to high levels of dental anxiety. The data also revealed that women and younger
adults were more likely to experience such anxiety. These insights highlight the
importance of identifying at-risk groups to improve patient engagement and reduce
anxiety-related avoidance of dental care.
Exploring Burnout and Depression in Dental Graduates Using Facial Profiling 1 co
(2025-06-07) Syeda Wafa e Zainab
Abstract
Purpose: This study examines the efficacy of facial action unit
(AU) analysis as an objective biomarker for detecting burnout
and depression among dental graduates, addressing limitations
of self-report measures in high-stress academic environments.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional design was
employed with 100 dental students (58% female; mean
age=21.3±1.9 years). Participants completed the PHQ-9 for
depression and MBI-Student Survey for burnout, while
OpenFace 2.0 analyzed neutral facial images for AU4 (brow
lowerer), AU1 (inner brow raiser), and facial asymmetry
indices. Multiple regression analyses controlled for age and
gender.
Key Results: Strong correlation between AU4 intensity and
burnout scores (r=0.42, p<0.01).Sadness Index predicted 38% of
depression variance (R²=0.38, β=0.42, p<0.001).Combined
facial metrics outperformed single predictors (ΔR²=0.12,
p<0.01)
Conclusions: Automated facial analysis demonstrates clinical
potential as a supplementary screening tool, with AU4 and facial
asymmetry serving as robust physiological markers of
psychological distress in dental education settings.
Keywords: affective computing; mental health screening; action
units; academic stress; machine learning
Correlating Sleep with Stress and Anxiety in healthcare students
(2025-06-05) Dr. Amina Khan
Abstract
Healthcare students frequently face sleep disturbances due to demanding schedules and
academic pressure. This study explores how sleep quality relates to stress and anxiety in
these students. A sample of 200 healthcare students was assessed using the Pittsburgh
Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-
7 (GAD-7). The analysis revealed that poor sleep quality is significantly associated with
higher levels of stress and anxiety. These findings underscore the importance of
incorporating sleep health and mental well-being strategies in healthcare education.
Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression Among Dental Professionals
(2025-07-05) Rimsha Iqbal
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression among dental professionals in Pakistan and to evaluate the demographic and occupational factors influencing these conditions.
Methodology: A 12-month cross-sectional study was conducted across dental colleges, hospitals, and private practices in major urban cities of Pakistan. A total of 250 dental professionals were enrolled through stratified random sampling. Validated tools (HADS, PHQ-9) were used. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25, applying chi-square tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression.
Results: The prevalence of anxiety was 42.4% and depression 36.8%. Female professionals and those with <5 years of experience exhibited significantly higher distress (p<0.05). Logistic regression showed female gender (OR=1.9, CI 1.2–3.0), <5 years’ experience (OR=2.1, CI 1.3–3.4), and workload >40 hours/week (OR=2.3, CI 1.4–3.8) as strong predictors.
Conclusion: Anxiety and depression are highly prevalent among Pakistani dental professionals. Early-career practitioners, women, and those with heavy workloads are most at risk. Structured mental health programs and institutional interventions are recommended.
Keywords: Dental professionals, anxiety, depression, prevalence, occupational stress, Pakistan, HADS, PHQ-9.
Exploring stress snd anxiety amoung dental students and graduates using PSS-10, GAD-7 and facial profiling as a tool
(2025-07-07) Noor Ul Sabbah
Objective: This study investigates the relationship between facial indicators and psychological
distress—specifically stress and anxiety—among dental students and professionals. By combining
traditional self-report questionnaires with facial profiling techniques, we aimed to determine
whether facial features could serve as reliable biomarkers for mental health assessment.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with dental students and professionals who
completed a stress and anxiety questionnaire and submitted neutral facial images. Facial metrics,
including Action Units (AUs) and asymmetry indices, were extracted using OpenFace API.
Statistical analyses included Pearson correlations to examine associations between facial features
and self-reported stress and anxiety scores.
Results: Significant correlations were observed between specific facial features (e.g., brow
tension, facial asymmetry) and higher stress and anxiety scores. Participants with elevated stress
levels exhibited more pronounced AU4 (brow lowering), while those with anxiety showed greater
facial asymmetry. These findings suggest that facial profiling can effectively complement traditional
psychological assessments.
Conclusion: Facial profiling offers a non-invasive, scalable method for detecting stress and
anxiety, particularly in high-pressure academic and professional environments like dentistry.
Integrating this technology with self-report tools could enhance early identification and intervention
for mental health concerns.
Keywords: facial profiling, stress, anxiety, dental students, OpenFace, Action Units, mental health
screening