Comparison of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among Physical Education professionals from the northeast and south of Brazil

The present study aimed to compare the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among Physical Education professionals in the Northeast and South of Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study. Data collection took place digitally. Through Google® Forms, a questionnaire was created, with multiple choice questions disseminated through the social networks Whatsapp®, Instagram@ and Facebook@. A total of 746 participants answered the questionnaire, 50.8% from the South Region and 49.2% from the Northeast Region. Regarding education and professional activity, most had graduated for up to 10 years (59.5%), had a full degree or both (61.3%) and worked in the private/liberal professional sector (52%). Considering financial and health planning issues, most participants were the main household income provider (64.9%), had no financial reserve (75.9%), nor had a health plan (58.6 %) or retirement plan (67%). Regarding attitudes and risks in the face of the pandemic, 94.5% of Physical Education professionals said they were in isolation. It can be concluded that the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic had an impact on Physical Education professionals. The ban on professional practice caused by social isolation demonstrated a profession with little planning and a vulnerable financial situation regardless of the Brazilian region. © 2022 University of Beira Interior. All rights reserved.

Endodontic treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic - perception and behaviour of dental professionals

This study evaluated the impact of COVID-19 on the endodontic treatment routine. It was a cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire applied to endodontists to collect information about practical modifications during endodontic treatment to protect professionals and patients against the COVID-19 outbreak. A total 1105 participants from Brazil participated in the survey. More than 90% of respondents identify the high risk of COVID-19 infection to dentists and the need to change some clinical practices. Most respondents (60.1%) are partially following social isolation. The need for a change in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during dental appointments was mentioned by 97.1% of respondents. The use of minimal adequate PPE during the pandemic period was associated with the area of residence and marital status of participants. Only 30% of respondents say they use the minimal adequate PPE. Most respondents will change cavity access preparation to reduce virus dissemination. Other changes in endodontic appointments were described in the survey: greater attention to biosafety measures, duration of dental appointments, and duration of intervals between appointments. Endodontists still need to identify the best arrangement for performing their procedures safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specific guidelines require detailed information for each specialty and its procedures.

Endodontic treatment during COVID-19 pandemic - Economic perception of dental professionals

Aim: This study evaluated, by the application of questionnaires, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical routine and inspection by the competent authorities, on the flow of patients in the office, as well as on possible changes in Endodontic treatment costs and the amounts charged to patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2nd, 2020 to May 6th, 2020, using an online questionnaire with a convenience sample. The inclusion criterion was professionals who perform endodontic treatments in daily clinical practice and who professional setting is private practice. The questionnaire brought questions about the impact on costs and the amount charged to the patient. Results: A total of 1042 questionnaires were answered from all the different states of Brazil, by professional who usually perform Endodontic treatment, and who is working in private practice. A total of 1010 (96.9%) respondents affirm it was necessary to modify the protective equipment in endodontic treatment due to pandemic and longer intervals between appointments was cited by 922 (88.5%), economically affecting the dental practice. There was no association between routine changes and economic impacts with gender, professional experience, area of residence or education level. Conclusion: In conclusion, most dental professionals recognized changes in the routine of endodontic treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have a perception of increase in endodontic costs, and reduction in the volume of patients. © 2021. All Rights Reserved.