Factors associated with psychological stress in oral health teams of the public health system during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the well-being of all healthcare professionals. However, there are still few studies evaluating this aspect in dental professionals. Aim: To identify the contextual and labor-related factors associated with psychological stress in dental professionals working in public healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This is an analytical, cross-sectional, and observational study including 96 dental professionals who worked in public services in the municipalities of Piracicaba-SP and Poços de Caldas-MG from October 2021 to January 2022. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on the independent variables [sociodemographic characteristics, health and professional conditions, self-efficacy (Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale – GSE), subjective work overload (Job Demands scale), and thoughts/feelings related to COVID-19] and the outcome (psychological stress - Kessler Psychological Stress Scale-6 - K-6). Simple and multiple logistic regressions were performed using the Stepwise method to test the associations between independent and dependent variables. Results: In multiple regression, professionals who were not in a relationship (OR=4.61; 95% CI: 1.05–20.17) and those with greater subjective burden (OR: 47.18; 95% CI: 5.39–413.21) were more likely to experience psychological stress (p<0.05). Conclusion: Dental professionals working in public health system with greater subjective work overload were more likely to experience greater psychological stress during the COVID-19 pandemic.