Psychological Distress among Bangladeshi Dental Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: Psychological sufferings are observed among dental students during their academic years, which had been intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives: This study assessed the levels and identified factors associated with psychological distress, fear and coping experienced by dental undergraduate students in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross sectional online survey was conducted during October-November, 2021. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10), Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS) were used in order to assess psychological distress, fear and coping strategies respectively. Results: A total of 327 students participated; the majority (72%) were 19-23 years old and females (75%). One in five participants were infected with COVID-19 and 15% reported contact with COVID-19 cases. Negative financial impact (AOR 3.72, 95%CIs 1.28-10.8), recent or past COVID-19 infection, contact with COVID-19 cases were associated with higher levels of psychological distress; but being a 3rd year student (0.14, 0.04-0.55) and being satisfied about current social life (0.11, 0.03-0.33) were associated with lower levels of psychological distress. Being a 3rd year (0.17, 0.08-0.39) and a 4th year student (0.29, 0.12-0.71) were associated with lower levels of fear. Health care service use and feeling positive about life were associated with medium to high resilience coping. Conclusions: This study iden-tified dental students in Bangladesh who were at higher risk of psychological distress, fear and coping during the ongoing pandemic. Development of mental health support system within dental institution should be considered in addition to the academic and clinical teaching.

Psychological effects and associated factors among vaccinated and unvaccinated general population against COVID-19 infection in Bangladesh

“…Consistent with our findings, a recent study conducted in Bangladesh by Abir et al (93) discovered that those who had been tested for COVID-19 had a higher risk of psychological distress symptoms. Another study in the same country also found the same results (94). A study involving 56,679 adults aged 18 and older from all 34 province-level locations in China found that people with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 had a significantly higher risk of depression and anxiety symptoms, which also matched our findings (57).…”

Practicing dentistry in the age of COVID‐19: Perception changes due to the new PPE standards

“…12 Students who entered the clinic at the start of the pandemic were also distressed by the loss of clinical experience due to the reduced clinic hours. [13][14][15] Still, this disruption caused by the pandemic did not appear to greatly deter dental students from their goal to become clinicians. In general, students were the most optimistic about the future of dentistry (Figure 2E) and the least concerned with the ramifications of treating COVID-19 patients (Figure 1A).…”