Relationship between Precautionary Measures and Perceived Stress and Self-care Behaviors in Shahid Beheshti Dental School during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Path Analysis Study

Abstract

Background and purpose: Mental health problems can negatively affect one’s ability to take precautionary measures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of perceived stress and self-care behaviors on precautionary measures against COVID-19 among staff and students in shahid Beheshti Dental School. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted after reopening of the school. Information was collected from 830 people (academic members, students, and staff) within two weeks in spring 2020. A questionnaire was designed consisting of items on demographic characteristics, perceived stress, self-care behaviors, and precautionary measures. To calculate the coefficients of the effects of stress and self-care behaviors on precautionary measures, path model analysis was applied. Results: There was a significant relationship between perceived stress and precautionary measures in dental students. In this group, stress had a significant direct effect on preventive social behaviors (P<0.001). On the other hand, the negative effects of perceived stress on both individual and social preventive measures were mediated via self-care measures. In academic members, perceived stress was not found to significantly affect precautionary measures (P=.28). In staff, self-care behaviors had significant positive effects on both individual and social preventive measures (P<.001). Conclusion: Perceived stress as an exogenous variable had both direct and indirect effects on social preventive behaviors. It also affected individual preventive behaviors via self-care measures as an endogenous variable.

Keywords

• self-care
• covid-19
• stress