Occupational Stress and Stress Busters Used Among Saudi Dental Practitioners During the COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to assess the stress levels, stress busters (stress relievers), and coping mechanisms among Saudi dental practitioners (SDPs) during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Methodology: Self-administered questionnaire was sent to SDPs via Google forms. Cohen’s stress score scale was used for stress evaluation, and the mean scores were compared based on age, gender, qualification, and occupation. In addition, comparisons of the utilization of stress coping mechanisms and stress busters based on gender, age, and occupation were evaluated. Descriptive statistics were carried out using SPSS (Version 21.0, Chicago, Illinois, USA). Results: A total of 206 SDPs (69% males and 31% females) participated in the study. Male SDPs showed a higher score than females (P>0.05). SDPs around 50 years and above obtained high-stress scores (25±7.4) as compared to other age groups (P<0.05). The occupational level showed higher stress scores (22.6 ± 4.6 than the other occupation groups (P<0.05). The majority of the SDPs used watching TV/mobile/computer (80%) as a stress buster, followed by binge eating (64%), exercise (44%), smoking (32%), do it yourself (DIY-23%), and meditation (17%). Conclusion: SDPs are experiencing stress levels during this COVID-19 pandemic time. Male SDPs above 50 years and private practitioners showed higher levels of stress scores. An overall commonly used stress buster was smoking in males and meditation in females.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Dentists in Caribbean Countries during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

“…In our study, the most common coping mechanisms participants stated were calling friends and colleagues over phone/video calls or using social media. The latter was similar to other research where electronic media and entertainment were reported to be common stress busters [34].…”

A systematic scoping review of research on COVID‐19 impacts on eating disorders: A critical appraisal of the evidence and recommendations for the field

“…Our scoping review was also guided by the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews (Tricco et al, 2018). Brief summary of relevant findings Additional comments (Aldhuwayhi et al, 2021) Cross Saudi Arab Unclear 296 adult dentists (30% women). Race/ ethnicity N/R…”

Perceptions and Preventive Practices Regarding COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak and Oral Health Care Perceptions during the Lockdown: A Cross-Sectional Survey from Saudi Arabia

“…These measures are very strictly acclaimed to control the spread of COVID-19 disease and to protect the people from this pandemic. Nevertheless, a lack of understanding of the COVID-19 risk factors among people has been observed worldwide [10,17]. People's understanding and adherence to preventive measures play an essential part in controlling the contraction of COVID-19 [9].…”