Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Anxiety Level, Lifestyle Modifications and Utilisation of Dental Services amongst Dentists and Non Dentists in India

Objective: COVID-19 outbreak has affected lives of millions, not only medically but also socially and economically. Knowledge of spread of the outbreak has led to development of anxiety in many which has in turn resulted in lifestyle modifications and also changes in utilisation of dental services. Method: A cross - sectional questionnaire was designed to carry out the study. Impact of COVID-19 on the anxiety level, lifestyle modification and utilisation of dental services was evaluated with the help of questionnaire. The level of anxiety was evaluated using General Anxiety Disorder scale based on the knowledge of the pandemic. Result: Anxiety levels were higher (OR=0.60) amongst the dentists as compared to the non - dentists and also higher amongst the female study subjects. Anxiety level amongst the study population was found to be on the higher side amongst the government employees as compared to private and semi - private sector employees. Anxious group were found to be more aware of protocols and were more adaptive towards lifestyle modifications to be followed during the pandemic. Individuals with anxiety were inclined to utilise the dental services only during dental emergencies and not routine procedures. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a significant correlation between the level of awareness about the COVID-19 pandemic, associated anxiety, changes in lifestyle and subsequent utilisation of dental services amongst the study population.