A cross-sectional study of satisfaction with life among 1st year students and doctors of a teaching hospital of the national capital region.

Objectives: With rising work pressure, balancing personal life is not easy for any professional. Aspirations at the time of admission into professional college do not last for long, as we observe doctors who are less satisfied than enthusiastic first-year students at dental college. The present study aimed to determine subjective well-being and comparison of satisfaction with life among first professional dental students and doctors of a teaching hospital in the National Capital Region, India.

Methods: The current study was conducted for one month among 100 1st year dental students and 100 junior doctors, including the faculty of a teaching hospital in the National Capital Region, India. Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) was used to assess the level of satisfaction in their lives. Associated factors which might affect this satisfaction were also enquired for.

Results: The mean age of first professional dental students and doctors was 19.3 ± 1.6 and 27.52 ± 2.54 years, respectively. 76 (76%) 1st professional students and 68 (68%) doctors were found to be satisfied with their lives when assessed over SWLS. Odds of being satisfied were significantly more in the age group of 20-25 years. Those students and doctors who had opted for dental, taking it as a reputed profession or as their ambition, were found to be more satisfied with their lives. Students who were satisfied with the hostel accommodation were significantly more satisfied with their lives. Among doctors, those who were either married or were in a relationship and who were satisfied with their income were more satisfied.

Conclusions: A significant proportion of doctors and 1st professional dental students were satisfied with their lives. More students were satisfied with their lives than doctors. Factors like satisfaction with income and reason for joining the dental profession were found to have significant associations.