Evaluation of Stress, Anxiety, and Sleep Disorders in Dentists during COVID-19 Pandemic in Sari

Background and

A pandemic can negatively affect both mental and social health. The aim of this study was to evaluate stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders experienced by dentists during COVID-19 pandemic.

This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on all dentists in Sari (290 dentists). Corona Disease Anxiety Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used as questionnaires. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS V26.

A total of 126 dentists completed the questionnaires. The mean values of stress and anxiety score for general dentists and specialists were 12.4 and 11.5, respectively which were classified as mild level. There was no statistically significant relationship between sex, anxiety, and stress (P=0.09 for general dentists; P=0.13 for specialists). The prevalence of sleep disorders was 78% and 72% for general dentists and specialists, respectively. The mean value of sleep disorders was 6.8 for general dentists and 6.1 for specialists which was considered as low and inappropriate. There was no statistically significant relationship between sleep disorders and sex (P=0.4 for general dentists; P=0.9 for specialists).

The dentists' stress and anxiety level was mild during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prevalence of sleep disorders was high and sleep quality was poor and unsuitable for both general dentists and specialists.