Perception of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on dental researchers

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Creator
  • De Souza G.M.
    • Other Affiliation: University of Louisville
  • Tiwari T.
    • Other Affiliation: University of Colorado
  • Fox C.H.
    • Other Affiliation: International Association for Dental Research
  • Miguez P.A.
    • Affiliation: School of Dentistry
  • Letra A.
    • Other Affiliation: University of Pittsburgh
  • Geisinger M.L.
    • Other Affiliation: University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Patel M.
    • Other Affiliation: Queen Mary University of London
  • Shaddox L.
    • Other Affiliation: University of Kentucky College of Dentistry
  • Ioannidou E.
    • Other Affiliation: UCONN Health
Abstract
  • Background/objectives: Historical evidence shows a gender-based disproportionate effect of pandemics across different populations. In 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began spreading its devastating effects worldwide. The goal of the present study was to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on research productivity, work-life arrangements, and mental health of dental professionals worldwide with focus on gender differences. Methods: A 38-item survey, concerning demographics, career stage, employer support, family structure, mental health, and relationships, was distributed to 7692 active members of the International Association for Dental Research. Bivariate associations between independent variables and the primary outcome variable were tested using Spearman's correlation test. A logistic regression model was used to assess the simultaneous, independent associations between each variable and researcher productivity. Results: A total of 722 responses were obtained, indicating a 9.4% response rate. Higher productivity was reported by male respondents (p = 0.021), and by those in senior career stages (p = 0.001). Institutional support was associated with higher productivity (p < 0.0001). Lower productivity was reported by younger researchers (p = 0.003). Remote work negatively affected productivity (p < 0.0001) and female respondents reported working more hours, regardless of work location (p = 0.004). Poor mental health was associated with low productivity (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Our results showed that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected dental professionals’ perceived productivity and mental health around the globe. Younger individuals and women were disproportionally affected, and institutional support had a significant influence to mitigate effects of the pandemic for dental researchers.
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  • Article
Rights statement
  • In Copyright
Journal title
  • Journal of Dental Education
Journal volume
  • 87
Journal issue
  • 2
Page start
  • 170
Page end
  • 181
Language
  • English
ISSN
  • 0022-0337
Publisher
  • John Wiley and Sons Inc

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