MINDFULNESS, PERCEIVED STRESS AND COPING STRATEGIES DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN TURKISH DENTISTRY STUDENTS

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between perceived stress, mindfulness and coping strategies of undergraduate dental students during the COVID-19. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 128 undergraduate dental students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade. Students completed surveys including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Mindful Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS) and the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced inventory (COPE). Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test, Analysis of Variance, Student's t-test, Kruskal Wallis test and Spearman correlation. Results: A negative association was found between the MAAS and PSS according to the Spearman's correlation coefficient (rs =-0.823, p<0.001). There were positive relationships between MAAS and COPE inventory subscales of positive reinterpretation and growth (rs = 0.385, p < 0.001); use of instrumental social support (rs = 0.233, p = 0.008); active coping (rs = 0.384, p < 0.001); use of emotional social support (rs = 0.208, p = 0.018); planning (rs = 0.244, p = 0.005). There were negative relationships between MAAS and COPE inventory subscales of behavioral disengagement (rs =-0.245, p = 0.005); alcohol-drug use (rs =-0.233, p = 0.008). Conclusion: Dental students with a high level of mindfulness had a low level of perceived stress. The findings may guide the mindfulness-based stress reduction programs or stress awareness lectures development and implementation within the academic curriculum.