Work stress, health behaviours and coping strategies of dentists from Cluj-Napoca, Romania

A systematic review of dentists' psychological wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background The COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges to healthcare workers worldwide, including the effect on the psychological wellbeing of dentists.Aims To evaluate the impact of the early phases of the pandemic on the psychological health, long-term wellbeing and clinical service provision of dentists, as well as the identification of the key risk and protective factors for adverse mental health outcomes (MHOs) in this group.Methods A systematic review of cross-sectional studies (n = 53) from public and private dentistry sectors was employed to delineate the risk and protective factors for adverse MHOs.Results Self-reports from these studies (1 December 2019 to 31 December 2021), involving 45,671 dentists worldwide were analysed. Study findings were classified according to their psychological impact (as risk or protective factors), categorised as 'operational' or 'organisational' and subdivided into 'psychosocial', 'occupational', 'sociodemographic' and 'environmental' elements. A GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) certainty of evidence score was calculated for all the identified factors.Conclusions This review confirmed the negative impact of the pandemic on the MHOs of dentists worldwide. Pivotal risk factors included fear of infection, transmission to families, lack of personal protective equipment and possible direct contact with infected patients. Enhanced infection control protocols, individual resilience and organisational support were identified as important protective factors.

Mediation Effect of Maladaptive Coping between Work-to-Family Conflict and Cardiovascular Health Behaviors

Work-to-family conflicts (WFC), an aggravating factor of stress, may affect cardiovascular health. However, the link between WFC and cardiovascular health behaviors is not fully defined. This study intends to identify the mediating effect of coping strategy on the relation between WFC with cardiovascular health behaviors, such as smoking, stress management, increased physical activity, and healthy diet habits. The study is a cross-sectional online survey with 358 call center counselors. We adopted a linear regression to confirm the relationship between WFC, coping strategy, and cardiovascular health behavior, which are the main variables of the study. Maladaptive coping partially mediated the relationship between WFC and cardiovascular health behavior. Based on the results, we insist that a support system to reduce WFC is necessary, as well as increasing the availability of resources and policies to reduce WFC in the workplace and find ways to improve maladaptive coping to promote healthy behaviors of call center workers.

Levels of perceived stress according to professional standings among dental surgeons of Karachi: a descriptive study

Background

Globally, occupational stress is a common finding among dentists. The present study aimed to assess prevalence of perceived stress among practicing dentists of Karachi, Pakistan, and assess the perceived stress levels according to the professional standing among dental surgeons.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a convenience sampling technique in which 200 dentists from Karachi were recruited. A self-constructed questionnaire was used to collect data, including demographic and professional backgrounds. Stress level assessment was performed using the perceived stress scale (PSS).

Results

The response rate was 78.5%. In general, a moderate stress level (mean PSS = 18.35 ± 5.417) appeared in the sample size of 157 dentists, and the prevalence of perceived stress was 86%. The level of perceived stress was significantly lower in groups including 40 years old and above (mean diff; p = − 0.197), Rupees 1 lac (100,000) and more of monthly income (mean diff; p = 0.029), 11 and more years of experience (mean diff; p = 0.001) and Assistant Professor/Associate Professor/Professor (mean diff; p = 0.035).

Conclusion

All groups representing the senior status of dentists have appeared with lower stress than groups representing the junior status of dentists. Exploratory studies are required to discover an effective coping strategy to deal with occupational stress among the junior dentists of Karachi.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12903-022-02272-5.

Psychosocial and environmental determinants of physical activity in a Brazilian public university employees - ELDAF: A prospective cohort study protocol

Background

Increased physical activity levels and their determinations are essential issues worldwide. The Longitudinal Study of Physical Activity Determinants (ELDAF) aims to understand the roles of psychosocial and environmental factors in workers’ physical activity levels.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of non-faculty civil servants from a public university (approximately 1,200 individuals) will start in 2022 (baseline). The primary measurements will be accelerometer- and questionnaire-based physical activity, social support, social network, socioeconomic status, bereavement, job stress, body image, common mental disorders, depression, and neighborhood satisfaction. Additional measurements will include necessary sociodemographic, physical morbidity, lifestyle and anthropometric information. Participants’ places of residence will be geocoded using complete addresses. All participants will furnish written, informed consent before the beginning of the study. Pilot studies were performed to identify and correct potential problems in the data collection instruments and procedures. ELDAF will be the first cohort study conducted in Latin America to investigate physical activity and its determinants.

Are dentists more prone to metabolic syndrome and occupational stress?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) among dentists in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study also explored the causes of occupational stress among the participating dentists.

MATERIALS & METHODS

The participants included a conveniently selected sample of dentists (N = 126; Males = 65; Females = 61). The participants' anthropometric measurements/blood sample analysis were carried out and they completed a self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis included demographics, gender/age wise comparison using SPSS (p < 0.05). For the diagnosis of MS, updated criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program was applied.

RESULTS

Participants diagnosed with MS were 13 (10.3%), Males = 11(8.7%) and Females = 2(1.5%). Physical activity of 6 (15.8%) with MS was only 0-2 hours/week. 9 (14.5%) participants with MS declared positive family history for MS. The average systolic (117.55±11.33) and diastolic blood pressure (71.9±9.34) of the participants was found to be normal with no gender wise statistical difference. No gender wise statistical differences (p > 0.05) were observed for cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL. However, significant difference (p = 0.00) was found for the fasting glucose level (Males = 5.69±1.49; Females = 4.94±0.42). Overall mean scoring (3.00±1.11) for the stress showed that the participants fall into the average/moderate level of stress category (Males = 3.16±1.02; Females = 2.83±1.08). Almost two third (68.26%) of the participant's responded that they were under some kind of stress.

CONCLUSIONS

MS was found to be less frequent among the dentists working in the city of Riyadh. Overall, the dentists were under moderate level of occupational stress, with male dentists being more prone to work related stress.

Association between illness perception and health behaviour among stroke patients: The mediation effect of coping style

AIMS

This study aims to explore illness perception and coping style in relation to health behaviour and the mediating role of coping style between illness perception and health behaviour among stroke patients.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

This survey was conducted with 515 stroke patients aged ≥18 years from September 2019 to January 2020 in Zhengzhou, China. The demographic and clinical characteristics questionnaire, Stroke Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, and Health Behavior Scale for Stroke Patients were included in this study. Data analysis was performed by correlation analysis, multiple linear regression analysis, and structural equation modelling.

RESULTS

The valid questionnaires were 495 (effective response rate: 96.1%). Low negative illness perception, high positive coping style, and low negative coping style are related to high level of health promoting behaviour (all p < 0.01). The results revealed that the effect of illness perception on health behaviour was partly mediated by coping style. It also confirmed that the mediation effect accounts for 43.7% (-0.169/-0.387) of the total effect.

CONCLUSION

Illness perception may influence health behaviour partly because of coping style.

IMPACT

This study implies that targeted interventions for stroke patients' illness perception are needed to motivate them to take proactive coping strategy to ultimately improve their health behaviours.

[Evaluation of the effectiveness of the compression method for infiltration anesthesia of the mandibular molars]

AIM

To study the depth of analgesia and the electrical excitability dynamics of the pulp of the tooth under local anesthesia without and with compression on the depot of local anesthetics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

87 men and 93 women took part in the study, the average age of men was 36.8±5.02 and the average age of women was 30.43±2.14. According to the indications, local anesthesia of infiltration type with and without compression at the depot of local anesthetics was performed. The injection was carried out with a solution of 4% articaine with epinephrine1:100000 or 1:200000. Patients were divided into 2 groups depending on the used concentration of the vasoconstrictor with 4% articaine. The target area thermometry and electroodontometry (EOD) of the first mandibular molar were performed. The criterion for the onset of pulp analgesia was the value from 92 to 100 mA.

RESULTS

Dynamics of change in pulp electrical excitability of the first molar with the use of 4% articaine with epinephrine 1:200000 without a compress showed that in the latter case the reduction of pulp electrical excitability to 96.6 µA, which is optimal for painless treatment, was developed by the 5th minute of the study and remained at the limit of 92.2-92.1 µA for 20 minutes. When using 4% articaine 1:100 000 it was noted that also the compression technique allowed to reach the necessary reduction of EOD indices to 93.5 µA by the 5th minute of the study, and to 97.2 µA by the 10th minute. Increased hypothermia in the injection depot area was noted thermographically, especially when high concentrations of epinephrine were used.

CONCLUSION

Our own studies reflect the dynamics of change in the electrical excitability of the pulp of the first molar with the use of 4% articaine by compression method more intensively reduces the electrical reacrivity of the dental pulp depending on the concentration of the epinephrine: with the use of 1:100000, the advantage of the pressure technique is 19.3% and 1:200000 - 21.8%.

Not Able to Lead a Healthy Life When You Need It the Most: Dual Role of Lifestyle Behaviors in the Association of Blurred Work-Life Boundaries With Well-Being

As there is a growing trend for people to work from home, precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, this research examines the impact of blurred work-life boundaries on lifestyle and subjective well-being. Our cross-sectional study in the Netherlands demonstrates that heightened levels of blurred work-life boundaries predict negative changes in happiness through enhanced emotional exhaustion. In addition, the findings point to a dual role of lifestyle in this process. On the one hand, we observed that healthy overall lifestyle patterns buffered employees against the detrimental effects of blurred work-life boundaries and emotional exhaustion on happiness. On the other hand, employees who experienced increases in blurring of work-life boundaries reported a deterioration in healthy lifestyle behaviors, which in turn was related to reduced happiness. Paradoxically, it seems that those who would benefit the most from a healthy lifestyle are less able to sustain health-promoting behaviors. A case for shared responsibility between employers and employees is built as we discuss the practical implications of the current research.

The Role of Yoga in Treating Stress-Related Symptoms in Dental Hygiene Students

Context:

Research has provided evidence for yoga's effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of pain and stress, both of which have been implicated as significant negative moderators of student performance and experience.

Aims:

This study investigated the feasibility and preliminary impact of a 10-week yoga intervention with dental hygiene students to reduce perceptions of stress and stress-related symptoms.

Settings and Design:

Students self-selected into a yoga treatment versus control condition. They completed stress and pain measures at four time points during and after the intervention or control period of 10-weeks.

Methods:

Participants were students enrolled in a dental hygiene program. All 77 participants completed a 10-week study, self-selecting into an intervention or control group. They completed three self-report questionnaires assessing pain and stress, administered at baseline, mid-point, postintervention, and two follow-ups. The 10-week yoga intervention consisted of 10 90-min yoga sessions that provided check-ins, breathing exercises, sequences of postures, relaxation exercises, and closing meditations.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Independent samples t-tests were used to compare perceived stress levels of participants in the control versus treatment groups. Paired t-test was used to assess differences in stress-related symptom levels across time.

Results:

Results suggested that a yoga intervention is feasible for this group and that active yoga practice can lower perceived stress across multiple domains and across time.

Conclusions:

A specially adapted and designed 10-week yoga protocol appears to be an accessible option for dental hygiene programs that seek to support their students in improving overall wellbeing.

Improving Person-Centered Access to Dental Care: The Walk-In Dental Encounters in Non-Emergency Situations (WIDENESS)

BACKGROUND

We hypothesized that access to dental care could be improved by the conceptualization of a new type of consultation: The walk-in dental encounter for non-emergency situations (WIDENESS). The aim of this study was to assess patient perspectives regarding walk-in dental consultations, with a particular focus on non-emergency situations.

METHODS

We followed a qualitative research approach using a semi-structured interview guide in a sample of random participants recruited from the dental department of the Toulouse University Hospital, France. We performed a thematic analysis of the interview transcripts. Data saturation was obtained after interviewing 11 participants.

RESULTS

When asked about walk-in dental consultations, three main topics emerged: (1) Walk-in dental consultation in general is important for emergency situations, but WIDENESS did not correspond to any specific long-standing need from participants; (2) WIDENESS could be a way to improve access to oral care (facilitating access to care relative to time constraints, reduction of dentist-related anxiety, better overall follow-up for the care pathway, and the complementary nature of consultations with and without appointments); and (3) WIDENESS has some potential drawbacks-apprehension about long waiting times was mentioned by several participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants found the idea of WIDENESS promising, despite spontaneously mentioned reservations, which constitute major challenges to its implementation.

Development of Construction Workers Job Stress Scale to Study and the Relationship between Job Stress and Safety Behavior: An Empirical Study in Beijing

Job stress is considered one of the critical causes of construction workers' unsafe behaviors. As a mainstay industry in many countries, the construction industry has a considerable number of employees and the research on how job stress affects workers' unsafe behaviors has important theoretical and practical significance to improve construction safety performance through better job stress management. In this study, the authors thoroughly reviewed the literature and conducted semi-structured interviews to identify the dimensions of job stress, designed the job stress scale and cited the safety behavior measurement scale. After that, a questionnaire survey was developed using the proposed measurement scale and distributed to the construction employees from a project in Beijing. One hundred fifty responses were collected and analyzed using reliability analysis to validate the scale's internal consistency. Results from factor analysis indicate that the scales of job stress measurement can be grouped into six dimensions. To demonstrate the applicability of the developed scale on construction safety management research, the collected data was used to test the hypothesis that job stress has a negative correlation with safety behavior. Results show that the hypothesis is valid, and there is a negative correlation between job stress and safety behavior. In addition, finer results of the relationship between the six dimensions of job stress and safety behavior can be obtained. In summary, this study developed an improved stress scale for construction workers in China, and the proposed scale was validated by analyzing the data from an empirical study in Beijing.