TITLE:
Psychological Impact and Coping Strategies of Dental Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey
AUTHORS:
Trudee Hoyte, Anne Kowlessar, Kevin Henry, Adilah Mahbir, Anil Ali, Tichard Manwah
KEYWORDS:
Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Dental Students, DASS-21 Scale, Trinidad and Tobago, COVID-19 Pandemic
JOURNAL NAME:
Creative Education,
Vol.12 No.8,
August
19,
2021
ABSTRACT: Background:The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the delivery of the curriculum of dental schools. The psychological impact and coping strategies of dental students in Trinidad and Tobago are a matter of concern. In this study, dental students were asked to evaluate their mental health and coping strategies regarding COVID-19. Methods: A survey was conducted using an online platform. Demographic data was collected and the psychological impact was assessed. Participants were also questioned on their coping strategies. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test and a logistic regression were performed. Results:A total of 108 out of 137 students participated.Their mean age was 22.96 years. High levels of stress (59.26%), anxiety(64.81%) and depression (76.85%) were observed among dental students. Nationality and gender played a significant role in the students’ mental health scores. Female students were more likely to experience stress, anxiety and depression than males (exp[β] = -0.38,-0.21, and-2.31). There were various coping mechanisms deployed by dental students. Conclusion: The elevated levels of stress, anxiety and depression in these dental students emphasize the need for psychological intervention.