Abstract
Dentists are exposed to contamination by SARS-CoV-2 due to dental interventions, leading to a state of alert and potential risk of negative impact in mental health and sleep quality, associated with Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) and bruxism.Objective:to evaluate the psychosocial status, sleep quality, symptoms of TMD, and bruxism in Brazilian dentists (DSs) during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methodology:The sample (n=641 DSs) was divided into three groups (quarantined DSs; DSs in outpatient care; and frontline professionals), which answered an electronic form containing the TMD Pain Screening Questionnaire (Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders – DC/TMD), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the sleep and awake bruxism questionnaire. ANOVA test and Mann Whitney post-test were used, with Bonferroni adjustment (p<0.016) and a 95% confidence level.Results:Probable TMD was found in 24.3% (n=156) of the participants, while possible sleep and awake bruxism were diagnosed in 58% (n=372) and 53.8% (n=345) of them, respectively. Among all variables evaluated, only symptoms of depression were significantly greater in the quarantined DSs group when compared to those who were working at the clinical care (p=0.002). Working DSs were significantly less likely (OR=0.630, p=0.001) to have depressive symptoms. Those who were not worried or less worried about the pandemic were less likely to experience stress (OR=0.360), anxiety (OR=0.255), and poor sleep quality (OR=0.256). Sleep had a strong positive and moderate correlation with psychological factors on frontline workers and DSs in outpatient care, respectively.Conclusion:The results suggest confinement may have a more negative impact on the life of DSs than the act of being actively working. The concern about Covid-19 and poor sleep quality was significantly prevalent and may negatively affect the quality of life of DSs. Thus, further research on the topic is needed.
Highlights
Probable Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) was found in 24.3% (n=156) of the participants, while possible sleep and awake bruxism were diagnosed in 58% (n=372) and 53.8% (n=345) of them, respectively
Unpredictable or incomprehensible life situations, as the current pandemic caused by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), are important sources of stress
93.4% of the participants had a score above 5 in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire, which could be classified as poor sleep quality with no difference among them (p=0.72) (Table 2)
Summary
Unpredictable or incomprehensible life situations, as the current pandemic caused by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), are important sources of stress. The causative agent of the disease is the new Coronavirus related to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV-2). The virus is transmitted from person to person, mainly through direct contact or through virus-laden droplets propelled by the coughing or sneezing from an infected individual. The first case of the disease occurred in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and spread rapidly around the world, being classified in March 2020, by the World Health Organization (WHO), as a pandemic of great risk to international health.4To reduce the transmission of Covid-19, broad public health measures have been adopted, such as social isolation and quarantine. Confinement can be stressful, bringing with it challenges of considerable impact in the daily routine of individuals, such as reducing social interaction, working long hours under new circumstances, dealing with the fear of contamination, and constantly worrying about preventive measures. The quarantine substantially increases anxiety and may negatively affect general health, leading to other health problems. possible financial difficulties from being away from work contribute to anxiety, uncertainty, and stress.. Unpredictable or incomprehensible life situations, as the current pandemic caused by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), are important sources of stress.. The causative agent of the disease is the new Coronavirus related to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV-2).. To reduce the transmission of Covid-19, broad public health measures have been adopted, such as social isolation and quarantine.. Confinement can be stressful, bringing with it challenges of considerable impact in the daily routine of individuals, such as reducing social interaction, working long hours under new circumstances, dealing with the fear of contamination, and constantly worrying about preventive measures.. The quarantine substantially increases anxiety and may negatively affect general health, leading to other health problems..
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