Evaluation of Orthodontic Patients' Anxiety Levels During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A 1-Year Follow-Up.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anxiety levels of orthodontic patients during the 1-year period in the ongoing pandemic.

Methods: The study included patients between the ages of 12 and 30 years and who were continuing their fixed orthodontic treatment at Adıyaman University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Orthodontics and filled out the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. A total of 266 patients filled out the questionnaire at their first clinical visit between June 8 and July 8, 2020 (T0) and 176 of 190 patients (response rate: 92.63%) that were still under treatment filled out the questionnaire for a second time between June 15 and July 16, 2021 (T1).

Results: In the total population, there was a significant decrease in the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-S score (P < .05), while there was no significant change in the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-T score (P > .05). Anxiety scores were significantly higher in women and individuals aged over 18 years at T0 (P < .05), whereas only the anxiety scores of individuals aged over 18 years were significantly higher in T1 than in individuals aged below 18 years (P < .05). The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-S score showed a significant decrease at T1 compared to T0 for female patients (36.02 ± 11.32 vs. 38.82 ± 9.84) and patients aged under 18 years (34.26 ± 9.54 vs. 36.85 ± 9.26) (P < .05).

Conclusion: The state anxiety levels of orthodontic patients decreased during the 1-year period of the pandemic, while there was no significant change in their trait anxiety levels.