Prevalence Of Perceived Stress, Due To COVID-19 Among Faculties Of Government Dental Colleges In Kerala, India

Abstract

The purpose of this cross-sectional web-based study was to assess the prevalence of perceived stress among dental faculties of Government Dental Colleges across the state of Kerala, India, during the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which has a huge impact on both physical and psychological well-being of persons all over the world. Human transmission of this disease occurs mainly through droplet inhalation and hence, direct contact with mucous membranes and saliva is considered risky. The study was conducted using a five-point scale PSS10 (Perceived Stress Scale) questionnaire. Comparison between study groups (gender and age group) with continuous variables (PSS score) was done using independent t test. The chi-square test was used to compare the age group and gender with PSS categories; low, moderate and high. The mean PSS score of the respondents was 17.43 ± 6.45 with a range from 2 to 35 with women having higher mean stress scores (18.15 ± 6.54) compared to men (16.46 ± 6.24). Participants aged 40 years and less reported higher PSS scores (18.60 ± 6.40) compared to the older age group (16.14 ± 6.30). Since varying amounts of stress are present in different groups, etiology of perceived stress and measures to control it may be investigated in the future so as to avoid stress-related crisis in the health sector. Effective stress management measures like mindfulness are highly recommended.