Psychological Distress during COVID-19 Lockdown among Dental Students and Practitioners in India: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Objective In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Indian Government imposed a countrywide lockdown of 21 days from March 25 to April 14, 2020, which was further extended to 60 days. The sudden draconian measures changed the delivery of dental education and practice throughout the country. The study aimed to screen for depression during the COVID-19 lockdown and the factors associated with it among dental students and practitioners in highly COVID-19 infected states of India. Materials and Methods The current study is an online cross-sectional survey performed in Delhi NCR, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu during May 2020. The participants were recruited by convenience sampling. The main outcome measure was the screening of depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), which was categorized as mild, moderate, and severe depression. The data analysis was performed with IBM SPSS Version 23.0. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify the independent predictors of depression. Results In total, 335 dental students and practitioners participated in the survey. Among this, a significant number of the dental students (54%) and practitioners (44%) scored moderate to severe depression in terms of depression severity according to the PHQ-9 scores. Those who were screened depressed were likely to be males and younger than 30 years old. The results of correlation analysis indicated that worry about the professional growth, concerns regarding setbacks in clinical and research experiences, previous history of mental health issues, and fear of contracting COVID-19 from patients were positively related to higher depression scores in students. Moreover, for practitioners, fear of contracting COVID-19 from the patients scored higher levels of depression. The practitioners who reported less concern about their practice/job post COVID-19 lockdown and those who were able to meet their financial expenses during the lockdown were the least likely to be depressed. Conclusion The results of this study indicate a high level of depression among a significant number of dental students and practitioners. It is important to monitor and address the mental health needs of dental students and practitioners during and after the lockdown.

Psychological Outcomes and Associated Factors Among the International Students Living in China During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…In this study, the findings revealed that males were more likely to have depressive, anxiety, insomnia, and fear symptoms than female students. A recent online cross-sectional survey performed in Delhi NCR, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu during May 2020 investigated 335 dental students and practitioners who used PHQ-9 scores found that those who were depressed were likely to be male than female (42). However, the result of this study was consistent with the other research conducted in China that male students were significantly more anxious than female students (43).…”

“…Many studies found that young students were at higher risks of general psychiatric disorders, stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, psychological distress, suicidal ideation, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress symptoms (46)(47)(48)(49). A recent cross-sectional survey performed in India during May 2020 investigated 335 dental students and practitioners who used PHQ-9 scores and found that those who were depressed were likely to be younger than 30 years old (42).…”

Impact of COVID– 19 on the Psychological Health of Dental Professionals: A Systematic Review

“…Such outcomes may support the study conducted by Gasparro et al (2020), which underlined that young dentists with fewer years of work experience had higher levels of depressive symptoms. Furthermore, Chakraborty et al (2020) highlighted that significant level of depression was seen among young dental practitioners, who found it difficult to meet clinics and living expenses during the lockdown. Such economic uncertainty, together with the uncertainty about one's own job and the future in general, may result in serious psychopathological symptoms such as depression (Godinic, Obrenovic, & Khudaykulov, 2020).…”

“…Gasparro et al (2020), revealed that dentists with low fear of COVID -19 had weaker perceived job insecurity and depressive symptoms, compared to their colleagues who displayed higher fear to COVID -19. Furthermore, Chakraborty et al (2020) and Gasparro et al (2020) found that young dentists with fewer years of work experience were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms.…”

Effect of Yoga on Quality of Life of Oral Healthcare Professionals during Covid- 19 Pandemic

“…The present study evaluated the effect of yoga on the quality of life of oral healthcare professionals during the COVID 19 pandemic . In a previous study 12 carried out in India, high level of depression was observed in significant number of dental students and practitioners and the authors emphasized the importance of monitoring and addressing the mental health needs of these professionals during and after the lockdown.…”