COVID-19 and Self-Reported Mental Health of Dental Graduate Program Students and Faculty Members

Objective: To evaluate the impact of social distancing and academic circumstances on the self-reported mental health of dental professors and students of master's and doctorate programs in Brazil during pandemic. Material and Methods: Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaires between September 2020 to January 2021 for students (n=314) and professors (n=294). The survey consisted of 42 questions related to: 1) sociodemographic characteristics; 2) circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic; 3) academic circumstances; and 4) Brazilian version of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Data were analyzed by Chi-squared statistical test and multiple logistic regression model (alpha=0.05). Results: The students had higher levels of self-perception of DASS-21 symptoms compared to professors. Being part of the COVID-19 risk group contributed positively for professors' anxiety. The satisfaction with productivity and pressure to publish papers increased the likelihood of depression and stress for both groups. For students, not having children decreased the likelihood for depression and stress and being married increased the likelihood of DASS-21 symptoms for professors. Conclusion: The social isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the self-reported mental health of dental graduate program members, mainly associated with being married and in the risk group, and being under pressure to publish papers.