Türkiye'deki Çocuk Diş He5kimlerinin Merhamet Yorgunluğu Düzeyinin Değerlendirilmesi

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Thesis Type: Dental Specialty

Institution Of The Thesis: Ataturk University, Diş Hekimliği Fakültesi, Klinik Bilimler, Turkey

Approval Date: 2024

Thesis Language: Turkish

Student: ZEHRA MERVE KOÇKÖPRÜ

Supervisor: Sera Derelioğlu

Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection

Abstract:

Aim: Compassion in pediatric dentists is of great importance for treatments. The dental anxieties of pediatric patients and the incorrect attitudes of parents visiting the pedodontics clinic can complicate the work of the dentist. As a result, pediatric dentists may experience compassion fatigue, a form of burnout. Our study aims to evaluate the level of compassion among pediatric dentists in Turkey and the factors that may contribute to compassion fatigue. Materials and Methods: Our research was conducted with dentists across Turkey who are either specialists in Pedodontics or DUS/PhD students in this field. The survey, consisting of two sections—a sociodemographic data form and the Compassion Scale—was prepared using Google Forms and distributed to pediatric dentists practicing in Turkey. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 25. Results: A total of 422 pediatric dentists (88.9% female, 11.1% male) participated in the study. The overall mean score on the Compassion Scale among pediatric dentists was found to be at a high level, with an average of 94.54±9.93. It was observed that compassion levels increased in proportion to age and experience in the profession. Satisfaction with their workplace and dedicating time to scientific activities at their institution positively influenced their levels of compassion. However, as the number of patients treated in a day increased, a decrease in compassion levels was noted. No significant difference was found in the Compassion Scale and its sub-dimension scores in terms of gender and marital status.Factors such as age, number of children, professional title, years of experience in the institution and profession, voluntarily choosing the specialty, and treating patients with disabilities were identified as influencing the dentists' levels of compassion and potentially contributing to compassion fatigue. Conclusion: Organizing compassion and stress management training for physicians can increase awareness. It is believed that improving the working environment and conditions for physicians can help prevent compassion fatigue and enhance job productivity. Keywords: Pediatric dentistry, compassion scale, compassion fatigue