Attitude and Mental Health Effects Related to COVID 19 in Dental Patients

Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the mental health effects and attitude of male and female patients visiting Dental OPD during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: This Descriptive study was conducted amongst patients visiting dental setup of Jinnah Sindh medical university and Jinnah postgraduate center. Consent was taken before participation in the study. Patients visiting dental OPD (SIOHS and JPMC) were requested to fill the hardcopy of the questionnaire. Co-authors translated and filled the questionairre for those patients who were unable to read and write. Mental health status and attitude regarding COVID-19 were assessed through closed-ended questions. Results: Compared to males, females were more afraid of becoming infected with COVID-19 (p-value 0.018), affected more emotionally with COVID-19 pandemic (p-value 0.042), were wearing mask more frequently (p-value 0.038) and were more afraid dental treatment due to COVID-19 (p-value 0.023). With increase in qualification there was increase in COVID-19 fear (p-value 0.028), emotional effect (p-value 0.000) and effect on daily routine (p-value 0.002). Conclusion: Majority of the participants visiting the dental OPD were unaware of the preventive measures to protect themselves from COVID-19. As compared to males, female patients were more concerned and had a positive attitude towards protection from COVID-19. Furthermore, this attitude was more in people who were more educated.