ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Historical evidence shows a gender-based disproportionate effect of pandemics across different populations. In 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began spreading its devastating effects worldwide. The goal of the present study was to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on research productivity, work-life arrangements, and mental health of dental professionals worldwide with focus on gender differences. METHODS: A 38-item survey, concerning demographics, career stage, employer support, family structure, mental health, and relationships, was distributed to 7692 active members of the International Association for Dental Research. Bivariate associations between independent variables and the primary outcome variable were tested using Spearman's correlation test. A logistic regression model was used to assess the simultaneous, independent associations between each variable and researcher productivity. RESULTS: A total of 722 responses were obtained, indicating a 9.4% response rate. Higher productivity was reported by male respondents (p = 0.021), and by those in senior career stages (p = 0.001). Institutional support was associated with higher productivity (p < 0.0001). Lower productivity was reported by younger researchers (p = 0.003). Remote work negatively affected productivity (p < 0.0001) and female respondents reported working more hours, regardless of work location (p = 0.004). Poor mental health was associated with low productivity (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected dental professionals' perceived productivity and mental health around the globe. Younger individuals and women were disproportionally affected, and institutional support had a significant influence to mitigate effects of the pandemic for dental researchers.
ABSTRACT
AIM: This cross-sectional study sought to investigate the factors possibly related to the impact caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in the practice of periodontists, in two countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 254 periodontists with active periodontics licensing in Brazil and the United States participated in the survey. Data were collected through an online questionnaire and the dependent variable was the perceived impact of the pandemic on periodontists' practice routines. Odds ratios were assessed by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Periodontists in private practice were 83% less likely to report a significant impact of the pandemic on their clinical routine as compared with professionals who work in the public sector or in academic institutions (CI 95%: 0.05-0.47). The financial impact of the pandemic was significantly associated with a perceived severe impact of the pandemic on their routines (OR: 1.36; CI 95%: 1.16-1.61). Professionals who have enhanced their hand-washing routine were more likely to report a significant impact of the pandemic by 3.41 times (CI 95%: 1.28-9.04) relative to those who have not altered their hand-washing protocols. CONCLUSION: The pandemic is associated with a negative impact on the practice of periodontists, especially those working in public sectors and academic institutions.