COVID-19: Ramifications and Effects on University Healthcare Students.

ABSTRACT

AIM: This study was carefully designed to analyze the perceived psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among Roseman dental students. Students assessed their perceived changes in stress, self-esteem, and lifestyle behavior changes based on the impact of the pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A self-designed, anonymous, 18-item questionnaire was administered to Roseman dental students after being approved by the Institutional Review Board. Independent samples t-test and one-way ANOVA were utilized for comparison of psychological factors toward gender, as well as year of study. Chi-square correlations between stress and self-esteem, as well as lifestyle behavior, were also reported. RESULTS: In total, 313 students with a mean age of 28.15 (SD4.21) completed the survey. Statistically significant differences were shown between students based upon age and year of study, with regard to stress and lifestyle behavior changes. Cross-tabulations of stress with self-esteem and lifestyle behavior changes showed positive relationships, as students with higher levels of stress showed significant self-esteem problems and lifestyle behavior changes. The largest frequency of stress/anxiety and lifestyle behavioral changes was found in the age range of 25-34 years old, particularly in the Class of 2024 and 2025. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed a significant psychological impact on dental students at Roseman. However, further studies are needed to assess the long-lasting impacts of the pandemic on University healthcare students as a whole. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The pandemic has not only affected the way in which dental students progress academically but also as healthcare providers now and into the future.