Analysis of Anxiety-related factors amongst frontline dental staff during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Yichang, China

Abstract Background: Dental staff were characterized with the tolerance of enduring stress and they were at high risk to respiratory infectious disease. This study compared the anxiety level of frontline dental staff (FDS) to the general public in Yichang, Hubei Province, and examined potential explanatory factors for the differences. Methods: Two online questionnaires were used separately for collecting data from FDS and the general public. The Chinese version of Becker Anxiety Inventory (BAI) was included for the assessment of anxiety. Firstly, A Chi-square test was conducted to see the difference of the anxiety state between these two groups. Then, bivariate analysis using Cramer’s V and Eta squared was conducted for screening potential factors. Lastly, a binary logistic regression was performed to explore potential contributing factors towards the anxiety disorder of dental staff. Results: In general, the FDS were 4.342 (95% CI: 2.427-7.768) times more likely to suffer from anxiety disorder than the general public in Yichang. The bivariate analysis showed that age, Level Three protective measures (PM-3), the conflict with patients and/or colleagues were moderately associated with the anxiety state of FDS. But the knowledge of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) and the treatment to suspected or confirmed cases had a weak association with the anxiety perceived among FDS. Conversely, workload, the exposure to potential infectious substance and conducting aerosol generated performance were not significantly related to the anxiety of FDS. As the model indicated, an elder age and PM-3 protective measures could lower the anxiety state of the FDS, whereas the conflict with patients or/and colleagues would worsen it. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, FDS were more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders than the general public. Sufficient personal protective measures and good relationships with colleagues and patients helped them to maintain mental health. Keywords COVID-19, Anxiety disorders, Becker Anxiety Inventory, Frontline dental staff