Psychological effect of performing COVID duty among the oral health-care workers in government and municipal facilities in Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has precipitated a global crisis. The participation in management of affected patients, amendments in patient care, and economic restraints lead to high levels of anxiety among dentists, making it essential to understand the psychological health implications of dental professionals. This study aimed to evaluate the psychological impact of performing COVID-related duties during the COVID-19 pandemic among oral health-care workers (OHCWs). Materials and Methods: The study was designed as a multicentric, nonclinical, analytical, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study. Responses of 199 OHCWs were included in the study. Questions addressed to them were related to the mental health condition and its psychological manifestation by quantifying the magnitude of symptoms such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, and distress. The responses were statistically analyzed using Student's t-test, analysis of variance, and Pearson's correlations test. Results: The prevalence of insomnia, anxiety, depression, and distress was 62.81%, 66.83%, 71.36%, and 58.79%, respectively. The mean scores of the Insomnia Sleep Index, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Kessler's 6-Point Scale, and COVID Questionnaire with Demands Scale (CQDS) were 9.27 ± 5.51, 7.96 ± 5.65, 9.88 ± 7.32, 13.95 ± 6.77, and 21.21 ± 7.14, respectively. Conclusion: The OHCWs who participated in this study showed the presence of insomnia, anxiety, depression, and distress during their COVID duties. The CQDS scores showed that the OHCWs were less satisfied by their workplace demands.