The impact of COVID-19 on postgraduate dental students in North Africa

Authors: Taissir MEDINI, Mehdi KHEMISS , Sarah CHEKONDALI , Nouha DAMMAK, Mohamed BEN KHELIFA

ABSTRACT
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the perception and attitude of post-graduate dental students in Tunisia towards the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Dental Medicine (Monastir-Tunisia) during the period from July 1, 2021 to September 30. All residents (n=191) were included in this survey. Questionnaires were distributed to participants through an online data collection platform (Google forms). They included 26 questions on
demographics, psychological well-being, studying and training situation of dental residents during and after the COVID-19 outbreak, and the effects of COVID-19 on senior residents.
Results: A total of 131 postgraduates participated in the study. Over 87% of the respondents felt anxious. Their greatest worries were fear of getting infected, carrying the infection at home, and having COVID-19 affecting their academic future. In addition, 70% of the respondents stated having their academic training affected by the pandemic, 72% had reduced working hours, and 40.5% performed only urgent procedures and medical prescriptions. About 87% of the respondents had no formal training on infection control measures and 68%
had no proper personal protective equipment although 85% of them received suspected COVID-19 patients in their clinical practice. As for the new graduates, 86% reported thatCOVID-19 affected their immediate post-graduation career choices and that their interest in working in public hospitals increased.
Conclusion: COVID-19 has affected dental postgraduates. Dental training programs shouldtherefore be adjusted to ensure optimal training whatever the circumstances.

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