The relationship between perceived stress and demographic and lifestyle variables among university students reporting bruxism-related behaviors: a cross-sectional analytical study

Abstract

Background: Bruxism is a parafunctional behavior frequently associated with psychosocial factors, particularly stress. University students, who are exposed to persistent academic and social demands, may be especially vulnerable to elevated stress levels alongside bruxism-related behaviors. Despite this, limited research has examined how perceived stress interacts with demographic and lifestyle variables among students reporting bruxism-related assessments. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study included 101 university students in Turkey who self-reported a previous bruxism-related assessment by a healthcare professional. Data were collected using an online structured questionnaire comprising demographic and lifestyle characteristics and the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Independent-samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation analyses were conducted to evaluate associations between perceived stress scores and variables including gender, age, academic year, grade point average (GPA), caffeine consumption, physical activity, and the type of healthcare professional first consulted for bruxism-related complaints. Results: The mean perceived stress score was 19.05 (SD = 5.72). Female students reported significantly higher stress levels than male students (p = 0.033, Cohen’s d = 0.58). Perceived stress levels also differed significantly according to the type of healthcare professional consulted, with higher stress scores observed among students who reported consultations with psychiatrists or neurologists for stress- or bruxism-related complaints, compared to those who consulted dentists or general practitioners (p = 0.013, partial η2 = 0.09). No significant associations were identified between perceived stress and age, academic year, GPA, caffeine consumption, or physical activity. The most frequently reported stress-related experiences included feelings of anger, loss of control, and being overwhelmed. Conclusions: Perceived stress among university students reporting bruxism-related behaviors appears to be influenced primarily by gender and patterns of healthcare consultation. These findings support a biopsychosocial perspective in understanding stress-related aspects of bruxism-related behaviors in university populations and highlight the importance of considering gender differences and interdisciplinary care pathways when addressing student well-being.