Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Stress, Sleep, and Oral Health in University Students
Thaissa Reis do Carmo Cerqueira, Sayene Garcia Batista, Elson Braga de Mello, Marcos F. DosSantos, Inger Teixeira de Campos Tuñas
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic, a disease caused by Sars-CoV-2, has become a worldwide stressor, especially as it represents a new viral infection, which spreads quickly and easily, without prior knowledge about vaccination, and absence, to this moment, of a medication that is totally effective against the disease. Objective: The aim of this observational study was to provide a general evaluation, through a questionnaire applied to students in the health field of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, on the psychological impacts and behavioral changes generated by the COVID-19 pandemic on oral health, especially the triggering or exacerbation of bruxism and temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Methods: In order to verify the impacts of the pandemic on the health of UFRJ healthcare students, a non-randomized survey was performed with 370 students. Results: It was found that 72% of the students had their sleep routine altered, 65% had greater difficulty in keeping their spirits up, there was a statistically significant increase in emotional stress, headaches, and daytime teeth clenching. Conclusion: It was possible to conclude that the outbreak of COVID-19 resulted in psychological, physiological and behavioral impacts on students.