Abstract
BackgroundDental staff were characterized with the tolerance of enduring stress and they are at a high risk to respiratory infectious disease. This study compared the anxiety level of the frontline dental staff (FDS) to the general public in Yichang during the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and examined potential explanatory factors to the differences.MethodsTwo online questionnaires were used separately to collect data from FDS and the general public. The Chinese version of Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) was included for the assessment of anxiety. Firstly, a Chi-square test was conducted to compare the anxiety state between these two groups. Then, a bivariate analysis using Cramer’s V and Eta squared was conducted to find the potential factors. Lastly, a binary logistic regression was performed to examine the association between potential factors and the anxiety state of FDS.ResultsIn general, FDS were 4.342 (95% CI: 2.427–7.768) times more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders than the general public. The bivariate analysis showed that age, Level Three Protective Measures (PM-3), conflicts with patients and/or colleagues were moderately associated with the anxiety state of FDS. But the knowledge of COVID-19, the treatment to suspected or confirmed cases both had a weak association with the anxiety among FDS. Conversely, workload, the exposure to potential infectious substance and conducting aerosol generated performance were not significantly related to the anxiety of FDS. As the model indicated, an elder age and PM-3 protective measures could lower the anxiety state of FDS, whereas the conflict with patients or/and colleagues would worsen it.ConclusionsDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, FDS were more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders than the general public. An elder age, sufficient personal protective measures and good relationships with colleagues and patients would help them to maintain good mental health.
Highlights
Dental staff were characterized with the tolerance of enduring stress and they are at a high risk to respiratory infectious disease
This study found that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, frontline dental staff (FDS) were more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders than the general public after returning to work at dental settings
We found that the anxiety state of FDS was significantly associated with age, the implementation of Level Three Protective Measures (PM-3), conflicts with colleagues and/or patients and the knowledge of COVID-19
Summary
Dental staff were characterized with the tolerance of enduring stress and they are at a high risk to respiratory infectious disease. This study compared the anxiety level of the frontline dental staff (FDS) to the general public in Yichang during the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and examined potential explanatory factors to the differences. Since the first confirmed case was diagnosed in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) has exerted adverse impact on every aspect of daily life [1]. This disease is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2), and its transmission can occur after the close. Some dental settings have followed the Level Three Protective Measures (PM-3) (including medical uniform, gown, medical cap, N95 respirator, goggles, face shield, medical hazmat suit, gloves, and medical shoe covers [7]) to minimize the harm to FDS which includes dental interns, dental nurses and general dentists
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
