Effects of COVID-19 lockdown on the mental health of dental students: A longitudinal study

Abstract

Objectives: Many countries have enforced lockdowns on their populations due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aimed to assess the effects of the lockdown on dental students. Methods: A longitudinal, repeated cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate psychological problems experienced by dental students during the COVID-19 lockdown in Saudi Arabia. The dental students were selected from different universities using 2-stage cluster sampling. The validated Arabic version of the 21-item depression, anxiety, and stress scale questionnaire was distributed at the beginning and end of the lockdown. Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used as appropriate. Chi-square test was used to compare the proportions between the sociodemographic data, and logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with the students’ responses. Results: A total of 1287 respondents participated in this study (695 first-survey respondents, 592 second-survey respondents). There were longitudinally significant differences in the students’ mental health outcomes based on gender, university, class year, and survey time during the COVID-19 lockdown. The lockdown increased the likelihood of female, single, and junior students experiencing stress. The students who lived alone recorded a high chance of elevated levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, which showed a significant longitudinal reduction during the lockdown. Moreover, the lockdown increased the likelihood of mental health problems among the students staying in households of two persons or two-five persons. Conclusions: This study indicates the importance of considering the detrimental mental health consequences on dental students in the event of future pandemics.