Personality traits and risk of posttraumatic stress disorder among dental residents during COVID‐19 crisis

Abstract

Purpose/objectives The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has presented mental health challenges among healthcare professionals, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Few studies have examined PTSD predictors in dental settings. This cross‐sectional study aimed to describe the relationship between personality traits and PTSD symptoms among US dental residents engaged in patient care during the pandemic. Methods An online survey was administered to residents in advanced education in general dentistry, dental anesthesia, general practice residency, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and pediatric dentistry programs between September 2020 and April 2021. The survey included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Big Five Inventory, and the PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition . Logistic regression models, analysis of variance, and Tukey tests were used to examine the association between variables and PTSD scores and assess differences in personality traits and PTSD by specialty. Results Among 149 respondents (mean age = 29.9 ± 4.9 years; 57.0% female), 53.7% reported experiencing stress during the pandemic. Many residents (38.9%) were not aware of available mental health resources. A total of 17.4% of residents met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, but only 1.3% reported a previous PTSD diagnosis. The most significant predictors of PTSD were neuroticism (odds ratio = 2.90, p = 0.046) and stress unrelated to the resident's program role during the pandemic (odds ratio = 5.88, p = 0.02). Conclusions PTSD symptoms were highly prevalent among dental residents, with stress and neuroticism being the most significant predictors.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of neuroticism and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Similar findings are shown in Ikizer's et al (19) study, which shows that neuroticism and anxiety have a moderate connection (0.292) in a sizable general sample. Notably, odds ratios are introduced as pertinent indicators in Metz's et al (23) research. Together, the results of this systematic review help us gain a more nuanced understanding of the complex relationship that exists between personality traits and anxiety in the context of the difficulties brought on by the COVID-19 epidemic.…”

“…Five personality qualities are included: extraversion (to be sociable and active), agreeability (to be kind and trusting), conscientiousness (to be meticulous and dependable), emotional stability (to be at ease and peaceful), and openness (to be creative and curious) are the five personality traits (13). The most used tools on personal traits are Big Five Personality Traits and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30)(31)(32). Among the four types of personal traits, neuroticism and anxiety are significantly connected .…”

A 10‐year longitudinal study of dental students’ emotional intelligence and the impact of COVID‐19

“…Dental professionals were among the most vulnerable healthcare providers during the COVID‐19 pandemic on account of their exposure to aerosolization and the oral cavity 10 . The most notable drop in EI occurred in Group 4, which was impacted by COVID‐19 during their final semester.…”

“…Dental professionals were among the most vulnerable healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic on account of their exposure to aerosolization and the oral cavity. 10 The most notable drop in EI occurred in Group 4, which was impacted by COVID-19 during their final semester. Poor mental health, already commonplace among dental students, was exacerbated during the pandemic and is associated with intentions to drop out, depression, and anxiety.…”