Patient Preference and Adherence (Feb 2022)
The Attitude, Perception, and Mental Health of Patients Receiving Orthodontic Treatment During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia
Abstract
Ahmed Mohammed Alassiry,1 Zaki Hakami2 1Preventive Dental Sciences Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia; 2Division of Orthodontics, Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Zaki Hakami, Division of Orthodontics, Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966-544702011, Email [email protected]: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced dental clinics to shut down indefinitely, leaving thousands of orthodontic patients in unending fear and dismay. The study aimed to assess the attitude, perceptions and mental health status of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment in Saudi Arabia during the lockdown.Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among orthodontic patients of different clinics across Saudi Arabia and selected using two-stage clustered sampling. A validated Arabic questionnaire comprising four sections including demographic data, patients’ interactions, attitude and perception, and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale was sent via digital means. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied with the level of significance set to p 25 years of age with > 1 year of ongoing treatment were associated with higher levels of mental distress.Conclusion: The current pandemic has impacted the mental health status of orthodontic patients in some form or another. Older females with longer treatment times were more affected by the lockdown. The lack of effective communication from the orthodontist led to some negative perceptions about their treatment.Keywords: COVID-19, Saudi Arabia, orthodontics, mental health, attitude, perception
