한국치위생학회

The relationship between COVID-19 pandemic and mental health of dental hygienists

Yu-Ju Kwon1   Eun-Kyong  Kim2   Joon  Sakong3   Eun-Young  Park4,*   

Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Environment and Public Health Studies, Yeungnam University
1Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Science and Technology, Kyungpook National University
2Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University
3Department of Dentistry, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between depression, anxiety, and COVID-19 with regard to dental hygienists. A questionnaire survey on depression and anxiety was conducted on 189 dental hygienists from dental hospitals and clinics in the Daegu–Gyeongbuk area. The overall prevalence of depression was 69.8% and that of anxiety was 53.4%. The aspect of depression was heavily influenced by past experience with COVID-19 related quarantine and contact with a confirmed patient. The prolonged pandemic was observed to have exerted a greater impact on depression and anxiety (p<0.05). Depression and anxiety seem to be related to COVID-19 related factors among dental hygienists. Dental hospitals and clinics should monitor the level of depression and anxiety of dental hygienists who are at an elevated risk of COVID-19.

Figures & Tables

Table 1. Depression and anxiety levels according to general characteristics    Unit : N(%)