Prevalence of Stress-induced Xerostomia among Libyan Students: A Cross-sectional Study on Exam-related Stress and Its Impact on Oral Health

Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence of stressinduced xerostomia among Libyan students during exam periods and explore its association with academic-related stress. Materials and Methods: A total of 700 students from various universities in Libya were selected through convenience sampling. A self-administered questionnaire, including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the Xerostomia Inventory (XI), was used to assess stress and xerostomia symptoms. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, employing Pearson’s correlation coefficient and logistic-regression models to explore the relationship between stress and xerostomia. Results: Xerostomia was reported by 48% of students, with a significant positive correlation (r = 0.58, p < 0.001) between stress levels and xerostomia severity. Health sciences’ students exhibited the highest stress and xerostomia prevalence. Logistic regression identified additional variables associated with xerostomia, including gender, study year, and smoking status. High stress remained the strongest predictor of xerostomia (OR = 3.1, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The study highlights a significant association between exam-related stress and xerostomia among Libyan students. These findings emphasize the need for stressmanagement interventions in educational settings, particularly for students in high-stress disciplines.