Impact of COVID-19 on mental and emotional health of dental undergraduate students: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

 Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted all walks of life. The psychological impact of COVID-19 has been shown to be immense in terms of moderate to severe depressive and anxious symptoms in general public. Such data is important on dental undergraduates to help them cope with stress and promote overall wellbeing. Aim: To assess dental undergraduate students’ perception on impact of COVID-19 on their physical, mental and emotional health. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken among 227 students of Faculty of Dentistry, SEGi University, Malaysia. A questionnaire containing 25 close ended questions was developed and validated at the faculty. The survey was electronically disseminated through google forms. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test were used. p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The response rate was 85.4%. About 80% of students were concerned that their physical health might me impaired. About 40% reported disturbed sleep, 60% were anxious that they might contact corona virus while treating patients or attending face to face class. More than half of them felt financial instability and 70% students’ emotional health was affected. About 30% felt angry, lost control and stressed due to pandemic changes. About 43% missed their social life and 20% felt lonely and depressed during the pandemic lockdown.

Conclusion: Covid-19 has had an impact on mental and emotional health of our dental undergraduates. The faculty has already initiated suitable measures to provide them with necessary moral and psychological support.