Analyzing the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Turkish dental professionals

Abstract

Background. Due to the working conditions, while performing dental procedures, dental professionals may experience a sense fear and anxiety about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Objectives. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of fear and anxiety about COVID-19 among dental professionals by using the Turkish version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and the Corona-virus Anxiety Scale (CAS), and to explore the risk factors associated with the intensity of fear and anxiety. Material and methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted between October 16 and October 23, 2020, during the normalization process, by sending an online survey to 813 dental professionals working in public and university hospitals in Turkey. The questionnaire contained questions about socio-demographic characteristics as well as epidemic-related questions. The levels of fear and anxiety were assessed by means of FCV-19S and CAS, respectively. Results. The sample’s mean scores were 18.48 ±5.47 for FCV-19S and 2.17 ±3.08 for CAS. Female participants expressed higher levels of fear of COVID-19 than male participants (p < 0.05). Conclusions. The fear and anxiety levels in dentists during the COVID-19 pandemic were found to be high.